B -- Collection and Analysis of Right Whale Acoustic Data

The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Administrative Support Center (EASC) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York, to continue the collection and analysis of right whale acoustic data through the deployment of autonomous acoustic recording devices developed for deployment on the ocean floor. Performance of these services will require the contractor to utilize autonomous acoustic recording devices to obtain and analyze data on the presence or absence of endangered right whales in critical habitat areas and in areas of high risk from interactions with shipping activity in the northeast region (New England waters). Since 2000 the Bioacoustics Research Program at Cornell University in conjunction with IFAW, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Center for Coastal Studies, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and local fishermen, has successfully deployed acoustic recording devices to record sounds in right whale critical habitats of Cape Cod Bay and Great South Channel. The performance period shall be for a basic period of one year beginning on July 1, 2003, with no priced options. The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is 41 USC 253(c)(1), Only One Responsible Source. The applicable NAICS is 541710.. This action is estimated above the simplified acquisition threshold. No contract award will be made based on responses to this notice as this notice is not a request for quotation or proposal.