CHARTER VESSEL FOR STELLAR SEA LION STUDIES IN ALASKA

Solicitation Number: AB-133F-13-RP-0040 Notice Type: Pre-Solicitation Notice Synopsis: The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) has a requirement to charter a vessel with the purpose of conducting biological studies of Steller Sea Lions in the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. A vessel is being sought to allow NOAA scientists to conduct biological studies of Steller sea lions in Alaska for a minimum of 14 days (with an option for up to an additional 7 days) occurring in June-July 2013, with two option years (2014 and 2015) for similar work. The 2013 cruise (and option year cruises) will operate in coastal areas of the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands between 145 -170 W, and begin/end in Seward, Kodiak, or Dutch Harbor (depending on the specific cruise objectives to be determined by NMML (National Marine Mammal Laboratory) and discussions with the Contractor). The primary objectives of the cruise are to obtain images and sightings of marked (hot-branded) Steller sea lions, count sea lions on terrestrial haul-outs and rookeries, and to collect samples of Steller sea lion diet (scat and spew). Other objectives which may be added at NMML's discretion are to photograph sea lions with small unmanned aircraft at terrestrial locations and to mark and assess condition of sea lion pups. Minimum overall length of 85 feet (26 m) capable of operating in offshore and coastal waters of Alaska. Minimum fuel-efficient cruising speed of 9 knots (17 km/hr). Minimum vessel operating endurance (e.g., fuel and water storage/making capacity) of 21 days (based on average running time of 12 hours per day at 9 knots or 17 km/hr). Vessel shall be equipped with appropriate modern electronic navigational and communication equipment. The vessel also must be equipped with appropriate charts for operating in coastal waters of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. The proposed contract is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside. The NAICS code for this procurement is 483114 and the size standard is 500 employees. All responsible and fully responsive sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by the Agency. Solicitation documents will be made available for download on or about February 15th, 2013 at http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. Paper copies of this solicitation will not be issued. Interested parties should use the FedBizOpps [Add To Watchlist] and [Add Me To Interested Vendors] features which provide a notification when the RFP becomes available for download as well as all postings of information associated with this solicitation, thereafter. Each potential offeror is responsible for checking the FedBizOpps website to gain all current information related to the solicitation. The solicitation and any further announcements regarding the solicitation will be posted only at http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. The estimated response due date is March 19th, 2013; however, the actual date offers are due will be stated within the solicitation documents. All questions of any nature regarding this procurement are to be sent to Contract Specialist, Joshua Dodson at josh.j.dodson@noaa.gov or via fax at 206.527.6940 or Contracting Officer Crystina R Elkins at Crystina.r.Elkins@noaa.gov. All vendors doing business with the Government are required to be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM), which may be accessed the following web site: http:///www.sam.gov/. In order to register with SAM and to be eligible to receive an award from this acquisition office, all vendors must also have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at https://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or by phone at (800) 333-0505. No award can be made unless the vendor is registered in SAM.