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

V -- TRANSPORTATION, TRAVEL & RELOCATION SERVICES SOL 52ABNF900048 DUE 042299 POC POC: Paul J. Reed,(206) 526-6034, for copy of Solicitation call (206) 526-6425 The Alaska Fisheries Science Center will conduct a pilot survey to evaluate methods for assessing change in Atka mackerel abundance in and near trawl exclusion zones around sea lion rookeries. The charter will begin in Dutch Harbor, AK, on or about 1 August 1999. The charter will end in Dutch Harbor, AK, or in another port mutually agreeable to both parties, on or about 17 August 1999. The duration of the charter will be 17 days. This time period was chosen so that the study could be conducted just prior to fall fishery for Atka mackerel in Seguam Pass. The primary site of operations will be in or near Seguam Pass but calibation of gear may occur on smoother grounds near Dutch Harbor. The chartered vessel will trawl according to protocols designed to maximize consistent fishing efficiency from tow to tow. All fishing gear will be provided by the Government. Some or all of the catch may be retained by the vessel once sampling has been completed and it does not interfere with scientific goals. Vessel requirements include a minimum overall length of 37.9m (125 ft), minimum continuous horsepwer from the main engine -- 1,000, must be able to tow the Bering Sea Combination bottom trawl rated for 800 horsepower with tire gear at a continous speed of 5.6 km/hr (3kt) under normally expected fishing conditions, maintain a minimum crusing speed of at least 9kt in low sea states, have fuel capacity to conduct the charter operations for at least 17 days without refueling, be completely rigged for trawling, etc. Additional vessel requirements will be listed in the solicitation specifications. For a copy of the solicitation call (206) 526-6425. For further information, call contract Specialist Paul Reed at (206) 526-6034. See Numbered Note One. Posted 03/30/99 (W-SN314358). (0089)

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