S -- - INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT WILMINGTON. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to negotiate a sole source contract with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Purpose of contract is to research to try to determine whether deployment on or encirclement of dolphins with purse seine nets is having an adverse impact on any depleted stock in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Dr. Pabst at the UNCW is a recognized specialist in marine mammal physiology. UNCW team possesses specialized knowledge in circulatory system and thermoregulatory function in relation to exercise and reproduction in delphinids. Proposed research will investigate the relationship between surface temperatures of bottlenose dolphins and their deep body temperatures, heart and respiratory rates, and heat-flux patterns across their dorsal fins. No other known researcher has the background, expertise and equipment equivalent to Dr. Pabst/UNCW. Sources with similar qualifications, experience, equipment may submit qualifications by fax to Randall Brown at fax 206-526-6025, or call 206-526-6226 if any quesitions concerning this synopsis. Posted 06/29/00 (W-SN470383).

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