Amendment History:

Amendment 02 - issued to update the scope of work and extend the response date to April 12th.

Amendment 01 - issued to attach updated RFQ and extend solicitation date to April 7th.

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This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for services in which the government intends to acquire in accordance with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions Procedures. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Auke Bay Laboratories has a requirement for Vessel Charter Support and Services in Prince William Sound for humpback whale surveys.

Humpback whale predation has been identified as a significant source of mortality on wintering Pacific herring in Prince William Sound (PWS) (EVOSTC project PJ090804). From 2007-2015, the distribution and abundance of whales and herring remained relatively constant. However, in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 lower numbers of humpback whales and marine birds were observed along with a record low biomass of herring, and low numbers of other forage fish relative to previous years. Despite increased effort and excellent conditions while surveying, we failed to locate any concentrations of whales or prey. Our PWS observations were similar to what we have been seeing in northern Southeast Alaska, low whale numbers and few calves. However in 2020 calve numbers rebounded in Southeast Alaska, but not in PWS. Whales in PWS have switched to targeting scattered prey rather than the large, dense aggregations of krill and herring that we have seen in the past. It seems likely that the whales have moved to new feeding grounds or died.

Assess humpback whale populations, identify new feeding areas, and evaluate prey within Prince William Sound and the adjacent waters by chartering a vessel to serve as a research platform.

A vessel is required to locate, photograph, and biopsy humpback whales and sample prey from multiple locations within and in the waters adjacent to Prince William Sound (Fig. 1). Gillnets, plankton nets, and jigging will be the preferred methods of sampling. The vessel shall accommodate up to four scientists to sample herring catches for nutritional content and age structure. Work space for sample analysis and freezer capacity to temporarily preserve samples is required.

Vessel daily charter price to include all food, fuel, and typical expenses for crew and NOAA staff for the 10-day charter. The charter will begin and end in Cordova, Alaska or Whittier, Alaska.  The work specifically consists of locating schools of forage fish associated with humpback whale, using sonar, and fishing on those schools to collect samples. Sampled fish will be measured and weighed, and a portion of those will be frozen for future chemical analysis. The contractor will provide the vessel platform, and the government will provide scientific staff and equipment.

 See attached Statement of Work for more information. 

 All interested concerns must submit a quotation and documentation demonstrating the qualifications to provide services as described above within fifteen (15) days of the publication date of this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, quotations are being requested and a written solicitation has been issued. A firm-fixed order is anticipated to be issued in within 24 hours of closing date and time. All responses must be emailed to [email protected], or provide to address indicated in solicitation.

Emailed Correspondence or Response to Solicitation should reference solicitation # ABL-21017, in the Subject line to ensure it is received successfully.  Evaluation and resulting award anticipated to within 48 hours of due date.

This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $150,000.00. The following provisions and clauses shall apply to this solicitation and resultant award. The provisions and clauses may be downloaded at http://www.acqnet.gov/far

*** All contractors doing business with this Acquisition Office must be registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM).  No Award can be made unless Cotnractor/Vendor is registered and active in SAM.  For additional information visit www.sam.gov.  In order to register with SAM and to be eligible to receive an award from this acquisition office, all offerors must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at www.dnb.com/eupdate or by phone at (800) 333-0505.