R -- - NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT WITH THE MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY BIOLOGY DEPT. Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract with the Montana State University Biology Dept. (MSU) for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Purpose of contract is to develop and apply decision analysis for assessing status of Eastern Tropical Pacific dolphin stocks and a theoretical and numerical analysis of tuna vessel observer data in the context of this assessment. Contractor will develop an objective strategy for combining various types of research results and their associated levels of uncertainty regarding management of depleted dolphin stocks in the ETP. This strategy requires a specific quantitative method that uses Bayesian inference in developing a decision analysis that assesses the certainty of particular conservation criterion being achieved. In addition to the quantitative methods required for the decision analysis component, NOAA requires vendor experience with line transect theory and application as it relates to marine mammal surveys and abundance estimation and expertise in Bayesian statistical procedures. The MSU has developed a preliminary decision analysis system. MSU possesses knowledge of all data sources and related uncertainties that need to be integrated into the final analysis. Sources with similar qualifications and experience may submit such to Randall Brown at fax (206) 526-6025 or phone (206) 526-6226. Simple requests for solicitation will not be honored. This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $100,000. Posted 03/29/00 (W-SN439294).

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