R -- West Coast Highly Migratory Species and California Costal Species Fisheries Observer Program

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southwest Region, requires a Contractor to recruit, select, supervise, and outfit observers to fulfill Federal fisheries obligations for West Coast Highly Migratory Species and California Coastal Species (HMS/CCS) Fisheries Observer program. NMFS has the obligation to monitor and to obtain estimates of the incidental take of marine mammals and other protected species in the West Coast HMS/CCS fisheries. Data are required to assess the potential impact of the fisheries on marine mammals, sea turtles and seabirds, specifically sperm whales, humpback whales, short-finned pilot whales, other strategic marine mammal stocks, leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles, and North Pacific albatross. Data are also required to document specific finfish bycatch. Depending on the specific fishery, the Contractor is responsible for ensuring a minimum percent observed coverage or a minimum number of sea days observed of the total fishing fleet effort. NMFS may adjust coverage requirements annually or seasonally. Pelagic Longline – 100%, Tuna Purse Seine – 33%, Drift Gillnet – 20%, Coastal Pelagic Species Purse Seine – 10%, Albacore Troll – 200 observed sea days, Recreational Charter Vessels – 100 observed sea days, Set Gillnet (future) – 10%. The Government anticipates award of a fixed price contract for a base period of one year, with four (4) one-year option periods. The period of performance will begin on date of contract award. ESTIMATED contract award date is August 13, 2005. A Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation will be available on or about February 28, 2005, through the Government’s website at http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. The ESTIMATED response due date is April 12, 2005. Interested parties should use the FedBizOpps [REGISTER TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION] and [REGISTER AS AN INTERESTED VENDOR] feature which provides notification when the RFP becomes available for download and all postings associated with the solicitation. Each potential offeror is responsible for checking this website to gain all the updates/amendments to any and all documents. No paper copies of the solicitation will be issued. No telephone, facsimile, or written requests will be accepted. Technical questions regarding this solicitation should be addressed to [email protected]. The procurement is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside. All responsible, responsive sources may submit an offer which will be considered by the Agency. See Number Note 1.