U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, WASC, Acquisition Management Division WC3, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bin C15700, Seattle, WA 98115-0070

V -- VESSEL CHARTER SOL 52ABNF800027 DUE 020998 POC Don Caldwell 206 526 4549 -- for copy of solicitation call 206 526-6425 The Government intends to charter a vessel, with master and crew, and at least two biologists provided by the contractor, to conduct baited longline assessments of sablefish and other groundfish resources in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutial Islands. The vessel shall have an overall length of at least 41m(135ft), minimum main engine continuous horsepower of 1,000, be capable of a cruising speed of 18.5 km/hr(10kts), be completely rigged to fish longlines, and have sufficient living quarters to accommodate up to 14-20 persons (a crew of 10-15 and 4 scientists). The accommodations must include a two-bunk stateroom for female scientists. The Government will provide all groundlines, chains,gangions, hooks and repair buoyline. Anchors and bait are to be provided by the contractor. The contractor must also provide fish sampling supplies and 200 temperature-depth tags. The contractor will be permitted to process and sell the catch after scientific observations and necessary sampling have been completed. The charter will commence on or about June 20, 1998, in Dutch Harbor, Alaska,and end approximately September 5, 1998 in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the agency. (0336)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0089 19971205\V-0001.SOL)