U. S. Department Of Commerce, NOAA, Central Administrative Support Center, 601 East 12th St., CC31, Rm. 1756, Kansas City, Missouri 64106

B -- CONDUCT, COORDINATE AND PARTICIPATE IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOL NFFN6020000035 DUE 021500 POC Sheila Anderson, Contract Specialist The U.S. Department of Commerce, Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), intends to contract services with Mr. Jose Rivera, Boqueron, Puerto Rico, to conduct, coordinate and participate in scientific research in the waters of Southeastern U.S. Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. The SEFSC conducts research in support of federal laws and international agreements relating to living marine resources in waters adjacent to the southeastern United States, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The region accounts for a billion dollar commercial fishing industry, accounting for 33% of the value and 40% for the volume, as well as, a growing recreational fishery. The Center's mission is to contribute to the conservation and management of these important marine resources by conducting biological, environmental, economic, and social research on the fisheries and protected species of the region. This information is used to provide scientific and technical advice used in decision making by numerous fishery management organization in the region. The SEFSC is unable to effectively conduct, coordinate, and participate in critical scientific research important for managing living marine resources in the Caribbean region such as SEAMAP Caribbean Coordination. The purpose and objectives of the acquisition are to provide coverage for the region in terms of providing scientific and technical support, coordinating research programs, participating in critical research activities, and seeking appropriate advice from other assets in the southeastern region. The specific purpose of this requirement is to provide an onsite liaison in Puerto Rico for the SEFSC. Tasks will be performed for the National Marine Fisheries Service, Protected Resources and Biodiversity Division, Miami Laboratory, SEFSC; the Center Directorate; and the Southeast Region. Specific tasks will also result from the SEFSC/Caribbean Council Operations Plan. This is not a request for proposal and there is no solicitation available at this time. The Government reserves the right to solicit bids based on receipt of affirmative responses to this notice or issue an order to Mr. Rivera, which ever is determined to be more advantageous to the Government without further notice. All interested parties must respond to this announcement within 15 calendar days of its publication. All responses to this announcement must include the following: 1) contractor name and phone number; 2) a brief statement detailing capabilities to provide such items; 3) a list of the names and phone numbers of three references whom you have provided like or similar services, and 4) bilingual and imminently familiar with the political, governmental and social structure in Puerto Rico, the Virgin islands, and the Caribbean region. Failure to provide the information identified above when responding shall be considered non-responsive to the requirements of this announcement. You may fax your responses and information required to 816-426-7530 to the attention of Sheila Anderson. This acquisition is being conducted pursuant to the guidelines set fourth in FAR Part 13. This requirement is 100% set-aside for small business. SIC code is 8731. Posted 03/01/00 (W-SN429881). (0061)

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