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 AND MARINE BIRD OBSERVERS FOR NOAA VESSELS OPERATING IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN SOL 52ABNF800031 DUE 040298 POC To request a copy of the solicitation, contact Crystina Elkins "voice" at (206)526-4499 or "fax" (206)526-6025, or for further information, contact Contract Specialist Don Wadhams at (206)526-6036. Under the International Dolphin Conservation Act, The National Marine Fisheries Service will be required to survey abundance of dolphin stocks incidentally taken in the course of purse seine fishing for yellowfin tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The Contractor shall provide highly qualified Marine Mammal Observers, Sea Bird Observers, and Oceanographers to serve aboard NOAA vessels conducting these surveys. The estimated requirement will be for 18 Marine Mammal Observers, 5 Marine Bird Observers and 4 Oceanographers. Survey periods will be approximately 135 days, and will begin on or about July 15, 1998. Up to two weeks of training may be required prior to the study start date. Contract will include provisions for a base year and two option years. All responsible sources may submit offers which will be considered by the agency. (0042)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0085 19980213\R-0011.SOL)