F -- FISHERIES RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Notice Date

December 13, 2001

Contracting Office

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), AG/Acquisition Management Division, SSMC4 -- Room 7601/OFA61 1305 East West Highway, 7th Floor, Silver Spring, MD, 20910

ZIP Code

20910

Solicitation Number

NC-AJF100-2-40028

Response Due

December 28, 2001

Point of Contact

Eleanor Kaul, Contract Specialist, Phone 301-713-0823 x142, Fax 301-713-0806, Email Eleanor.E.Kaul@noaa.gov

Description

The U. S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Marine Sanctuaries Program (NMSP) is contemplating the award of a contract with a five-year ordering period for the analysis and reporting of fish distribution and abundance in various National Marine Sanctuaries. Preliminary market research indicates that the most comprehensive database of historical fish abundance data in the National Marine Sanctuaries that has been collected with a standardized and comparable method resides with the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), P.O. Box 246, Key Largo, Florida 33037-0246. REEF also maintains a network of qualified volunteers capable of obtaining future data. Accordingly, the purpose of this synopsis is to (1) determine if any other source(s) is able to provide the services outlined herein and (2) announce the Government's intent to solicit REEF on an other than full and open competition basis if no other responsible source is identified. Specifically, the National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) seeks to (1) obtain reports documenting fish status and trends in selected National Marine Sanctuary sites (e.g., Florida Keys, FL; Stellwagen Bank, MA; Flower Garden Banks, TX/LA; Gray's Reef, GA; Monterey Bay, CA; Channel Islands, CA and Hawaiian Islands), (2) analyze available data to address site-specific questions on zone efficacy, species distributions, and other management-related questions, and (3) compile an annual status report of volunteer fish monitoring within the National Marine Sanctuary System. This effort will build upon existing fish distribution and abundance data and reports at NMSP and continue annually for a period of five years. Additional services may include performing special data collection and reporting as well as other special projects (e.g., (a) improved data management techniques and systems, (b) publication of results in the peer reviewed literature, (c) presentation of results at scientific conferences and (d) organize survey expeditions within specific marine sanctuaries). To complete these tasks, it is contemplated that REEF is uniquely qualified for the following reasons: 1 -- REEF maintains a unique and qualified volunteer network capable of obtaining fish abundance data in a reliable manner; 2 -- REEF presently maintains historical fish data necessary to support a trend analysis for the past five years; 3 ? REEF's database contains information from sites outside of the marine sanctuaries and therefore can provide a regional perspective to analyses; 4 -- REEF has and maintains proprietary data collection materials and methods for collecting data in a standardized manner ; 5 -- REEF uses a previously approved analysis methodology to maintain accuracy of data. Alternative sources should identify their interest and capability to respond to the above requirement by submitting, in writing, a detailed response addressing their capabilities in meeting the qualifications as outlined above to Eleanor.E.Kaul@noaa.gov. It is important that alternative sources specifically identify the type and extent of historical fish abundance information for the above listed national marine sanctuaries, its skill in analyzing this data, as well as its plans for continuing to obtain and build upon this dataset. If, as a result of this formal market research, no other responsible sources are identified, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration intends to negotiate a contract with REEF on a sole source basis pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 (41 USC 253(c)(1). NO SOLICITATION IS AVAILABLE. Expressions of interest and statements of capabilities must be received by the above individual within 15 days after the date of original posting of this synopsis. See Numbered Note 22.

Web Link

Visit this URL for the latest information about this (http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/AGAMD/NC-AJF100-2-40028/listing.htm l)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20011217/FSOL005.HTM (D-347 SN5150Y5)