The U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, Eastern Region Acquisition Division-Kansas City (ERAD-KC) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD) of the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Miami Laboratory proposes to utilize a contracted external statistical consultant to conduct a review of the Center's finfish observer programs. The goal of the product would be to place the SEFSC in a position to make optimal use of existing observer data for estimating bycatch of both commonly caught and more rarely encountered components of the bycatch. Advice would be provided on the appropriate ways to estimate bycatch from overlapping programs with differing sampling fractions given the sampling frames used and taking into account changes in approaches to allocation of selected vessels between the programs. Advice would also be provided on possible alternative sampling designs for the programs. The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one known source under the authority 41 USC 253(c) (1) Dr. Mary C. Christman. Dr. Christman is a sole proprietorship that has been a statistical consultant since 1988, and has also held Professorships at George Washington University, American University, University of Maryland, and the University of Florida. Dr. Christman has authored over 24 peer-reviewed publications as first author, and has been involved as a co-author on 40 additional peer-reviewed publications. This project involves the evaluation of smapling design and estimation methods used in commercial fisheries management, which is a specialized branch of statistics that has comparatively few experts. Dr. Christman has not only distinguished herself as one of these experts, but also has specific skills and experience working with the estimations on other NOAA Fisheries projects. Dr. Christman has also worked with NOAA researchers to develop methods to estimate abundance using observer data in the Sea Scallop fishery, as well as developing sampling designs for rare event species, which is of critical concern to the Government in terms of sea turtle bycatch. Her work with these data types in the past make it advantageous to the Government as there will be less needed time to familiarize Dr. Christman with the data than it would if another contractor was used. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received within 7 calendar days after the date of this announcement will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. In order to be considered, firms must furnish detailed information concerning their capability to provide this service. Such information shall include at a minimum: name; telephone numbers of firms to whom this service or similar service have been previously provided. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability by sending an email message referencing the Requisition No. NFFN76001105644KLC to
[email protected] or send a fax request with an email address to telephone number 816-426-7530 ATTN: Karen Christian. Failure to provide the required information will deem your request non-responsive. The Government reserves the right to solicit bids based on receipt of affirmative responses to this notice. The NAICS code for this action is 541711. Responses may be sent to email address
[email protected] or fax to 816-274-6952 ATTN: Karen Christian. All responsible sources may submit a quote which will be considered by the Agency. All contractors doing business with the Eastern Region Acquisition Division (ERAD) must be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). No award can be made unless the vendor is registered in CCR. For information and to register, please access the following website: http://www.ccr.gov/. In order to register with the CCR offerors must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at http://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or by phone at (800) 333-0505. The Government urges all contractors to submit their Certification and Representations through the online Business Partner Network (BPN). The BPN is the single source for vendor data for the Federal Government. Contractors should go online at www.bpn.gov.