V -- Modification to existing contract; Sole Source for Dive Days of Manned Submersible to Conduct a Survey of Yelloweye Rockfish

This is a notice to modify an existing contract with Delta Oceanographics for submersible dive days. The sole source requirement is for the charter of a submersible and support vessel to conduct a yelloweye rockfish survey. The area to be surveyed will be the untrawlable portion of the US-Vancouver IMPFC area. The current research is duplication of historical surveys and the DELTA submersible was used in prior studies. It is therefore essential to the integrity of the research to duplicate the equipment utilized. Several cooperating federal and state agencies, universities, and laboratories along the West Coast utilize the Delta. The collection of coast wide data utilizing the same equipment for research maintains continuity throughout the research area. Charter period shall be for a total of 10 dive days in August of 2002 and 2003. See Note 22. For additional information contact Kristina Rodabaugh at (206) 526-6379.