Source: Fed Bizz Opps
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, intend to issue a fixed price purchase order to conduct a controlled comparison between standard fishing gear (the control) and alternative fishing gear, specifically large circle hooks, that are hypothesized to reduce sea turtle captures in longline fishing gear. Incidental capture of sea turtles by pelagic longlines through both hooking and entanglement is a threat to the survival of sea turtle populations throughout the world.
There are a number of longline fishing characteristics that can affect turtle byc-atch such as hook shape and size, hook depth, bait type, use of light sticks, etc. To assist the recovery of sea turtle populations, it is NOAA’s goal to identify alternate fishing methods that reduce incidental turtle hooking and entanglement. As such, NOAA seeks a contractor that will coordinate and conduct longline fishing field trials to test alternative fishing gear to determine the efficacy of such gear on capture rate of target and non-target, or by-catch, species. Specifically, we seek a contractor to provide logistical support (eg. vessel and fishing gear) in order to conduct an experiment to test the use of ringed circle hooks in a Mediterranean longline fishery. Data obtained from this work will include comparisons of rates of capture of both target (eg. swordfish) and non-target species, such as sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
The anticipated performance period is August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013. To be considered, firms must furnish detailed information concerning their capability to provide service. Such information shall include, at a minimum, name, telephone number and address of concerns for which you have furnished this service previously. Information should provide sufficient detail that demonstrates the firm’s knowledge and ability to perform the requirement. This support service is being procured under the guidelines of FAR Part 12, Commercial Items Procedures as supplemented with additional information included in this notice and in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR Part 13. This is a simplified acquisition estimated value not to exceed USD 100,000.