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

A -- SOURCES SOUGHT TO PROVIDE RESEARCH ON HUMPBACK WHALES. SOL WASC9-1105 DUE 060499 POC Randall Brown (206) 526-6226/FAX (206) 526-6025 Sources sought to provide research on humpback whales for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The NMFS is required to periodically assess the status of marine mammal populations in waters under U.S. jurisdiction. Population size, birth rates, mortality rates, and trends in population size are some of the most valuable data used for this purpose. The intent of this contract is to collect additional data to improve knowledge about humpback whales along the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, and to analyze previously collected data to determine the population size and birth rates for this population. Contract term will be for one year with one option year. Under year 1, the contractor will estimate the population size of humpback whales in this feeding area using mark-recapture techniques by comparing the 1999 sample of identification photographs with photo-ID samples from previous years. Under optional year 2, contractor will estimate birth rates of humpback whales in this populationusing photo-ID data from 2000 and earlier years and by analyzing the intervals between years in which individually identified females were seen in the company of a calf. Research under this contract must be scientifically credible and quality of final reports should be equivalent to that of published articles in scientific journals. Contractors with qualifications and experience in this area may request copy of solicitation by fax. This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $100,000. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the agency. Posted 05/11/99 (W-SN330072). (0131)

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