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

A -- ALASKA GROUNDFISH FISHERIES PROGRAMMATIC SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SOL 52ABNF000046 DUE 030300 POC Sharon Kent, Contract Specialist, (206) 526-6035 The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in Alaska prepared a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) on the Alaska Groundfish Fisheries in 1997-1998 to reflect changes that had occurred since the original EISs were prepared. This SEIS was challenged in court and found to be too narrow in scope and that a programmatic analysis should be performed. The purpose of this project is to prepare a new programmatic supplemental environment impact statement (PSEIS) and Biological Opinion that analyzes the impacts of the Alaska groundfish fisheries as managed by the Fishery Management Plans as a whole. Given the complex and interwoven nature of the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Fisheries Management Plans (FMP), NMFS requires a comprehensive PSEIS that describes the impacts of the groundfish fisheries on the human environment including listed species under the ESA. NMFS seeks a contractor that can assemble a team experienced and knowledgeable of programmatic cumulative impact assessments, marine ecosystems and fisheries; the Alaska groundfish industry; economic and social impact assessments; cost/benefit analyses; and Alaska, Washington, Oregon fishing communities. Specific tasks would include: Cumulative impact assessment tasks -- a historical review of the effects of 20 years of incremental fishery management decision making; cumulative effects of current FMP regime as a result of analysis on issues/categorical management measures/alternative actions; and, assess the likely cumulative effects of alternative management regime with different policy emphasis than status quo. Ecosystem tasks -- review the scientific literature and determine a working definition of "ecosystem-based management"; provide assistance and senior review of AFSC core analysis of alternative management measures that could more fully address environmental issues raised during scoping; and, review the scientific literature on fisheries impacts on ecosystem structure and diversity and on the relative importance of fishing versus climate impacts and food web interactions on ecosystems. Socio-economic tasks -- prepare a description of the existing socio-economic conditions of the fisheries; prepare a socio-economic impact assessment for each of the alternative measures identified in the core analysis; and prepare a socio-economic impact assessment for each of the programmatic alternatives. The period of performance will be from the date of contract award through October 27, 2000. Due to the urgency of the work, a shortened response time of 14 calendar days is required in which to submit proposals. Therefore, it is requested that only offerors with experience/expertise in EIS, NEPA, and with specific knowledge of Alaska groundfish fisheries management regulations, request solicitations. Posted 02/15/00 (W-SN425718). (0046)

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