U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, WASC, Acquisition Management Division, Contracts Branch A WC31, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bin 15700, Seattle, WA 98115-0070

R -- MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVERS FOR THE SOUTHEAST ALASKA GILLNET AND PURSE SEINE FISHERIES. SOL 52ABNF800028 DUE 021098 POC To request a copy of the solicitation, call Crystina Elkins at "voice" (206)526-4499 or "fax" (206)526-6025, or for further information, call Don Wadhams at (206)526-6036. Provide Fisheries Observer services to determine the level of incidental injury and mortality to marine mammals occurring during the course of fishing operations in the Southeast Alaska gillnet and purse seine fisheries. The contractor shall recruit and maintain a corps of qualified, experienced fisheries observers, arrange all logistics associated with observer deployments, maintain close liaison with the fishing industry, provide chartered vessels with experienced vessel operators for remote observation of fishing operations, provide observer debriefing and data entry services, and prepare and submit a variety of technical and cost reports to the National Marine Fisheries Service. The contract period of performance is one year, with one additional option year. Fishing seasons generally run from June through October. The estimated "Observed Net Day" requirement is approximately 600 for 1998, and 820 for 1999. All responsible sources may submit offers which will be considered by the agency. (0343)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0067 19971211\R-0003.SOL)