Statement of Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK: SERVICE

Purchase Request Number:

PURPOSE:

Under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is required to periodically assess the status of marine mammal populations in waters under U.S. jurisdiction. Population size and trends in population size are some of the most valuable data used for this purpose. The Cook Inlet beluga whale is a genetically distinct, geographically separated population that declined rapidly in the 1990s, and has continued to experience a slower decline since, resulting in it being listing as an endangered species. In 2016 NMFS included the Cook Inlet beluga whale as one of eight Species in the Spotlight (SIS), species at high risk needing immediate, targeted efforts to stabilize their population and prevent extinction.

The NMFS conducts both manned and unmanned aerial surveys to monitor the abundance and distribution of the Cook Inlet beluga. The unmanned aerial system (UAS) study was initiated in 2017 to (a) estimate the population size through mark-recapture methods, (b) use photogrammetry to assign whales to age classes and estimate an annual calf production index, and (c) identify summer spatial habitat use by individual whales, especially reproductive females accompanied by calves. These projects have documented our ability to collect data on beluga whales with little or no disturbance to the whales. Failure to conduct this work would result in a significant gap in information relative to the aims of the Cook Inlet Beluga Recovery Plan and the Species in the Spotlight program, notably with regard to monitoring the population size and trend, and in estimating key demographic parameters of this endangered population.

A rental house is in Anchorage Alaska is required for both manned and unmanned Aerial surveys. Aerial surveys are conducted in early June every other year, typically on even years, for approximately two weeks.

The unmanned UAS surveys occur over three 7-10 day periods between June 1 and September 30 each year (~21-30 days per year). The number of field personnel and dates may vary slightly from year to year to coincide with the timing of low tides in Cook Inlet.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

One rental house is required for a minimum of 21 days between July 1st and September 30th, for 3-5 team members participating in the Cook Inlet beluga surveys. Unmanned UAS surveys are conducted to and the Ship Creek small boat launch located in Anchorage, Alaska. The house must meet the following specifications:

• Be close (preferably within three miles) to the Ship Creek Boat Launch located at 25 Small Boat Launch Rd, Anchorage, AK 99501 to simplify transportation logistics and minimize commute time.

• Be located to the west of A Street.

• Have sleeping accommodations for 3-5 people depending on the number in party.

• Have at least 3-5 individual bedrooms with beds, depending on the number in party.

• Have at least two bathrooms.

• Be fully furnished.

• Have a full kitchen with a minimum of a refrigerator, stove, and oven.

• Have a large living room/common space for team members to work together.

• Have a washing machine and dryer.

• Have reliable internet connection.

• Have off-street parking.

REQUESTED DELIVERY DATE / PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Housing will be required during the following periods in 2024:

• June 2-14, three people

• July 1-9, three people

• July 19-26, three people

• Aug 15-24, three people

• Sep 15-22, three people

Option Year 1, housing will be needed for as few as 3 and as many as 5 field crew for 21 – 30 days between 1 June – 30 September, 2025. Exact dates are TBD by the Marine Mammal Lab, and contingent upon a government need and funding still existing.

Option Year 2, housing will be needed for as few as 3 and as many as 5 field crew for 21 – 45 days between 1 June – 30 September, 2026. Exact dates are TBD by the Marine Mammal Lab, and contingent upon a government need and funding still existing.

Option Year 3, housing will be needed for as few as 3 and as many as 5 field crew for 21 – 30 days between 1 June – 30 September, 2027. Exact dates are TBD by the Marine Mammal Lab, and contingent upon a government need and funding still existing.

SHIPPING ADDRESS:

NA

POINT OF CONTACT:

Kimberly Goetz Research Fisheries Biologist Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way Seattle WA, 98115 206-388-9032 Kim.goetz@noaa.gov mailto:Kim.goetz@noaa.gov