Sources_Sought_Q_A_2.pdf
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- Advancing Satellite Tag Technology for Large Whales Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 1305M325Q0179
About this file
This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for a Sources Sought Notice (1305M325Q0179) focused on Advancing Satellite Tag Technology for Large Whales. The Q&A provides detailed guidance for potential contractors on a NOAA Fisheries research project involving satellite tagging of large whales in the Gulf of Maine. Key requirements include deploying Wildlife Computers satellite tags on humpback and fin whales, conducting health follow-up assessments through photo documentation, and developing a training program for up to 5 scientists on tag deployment techniques.
The project scope covers approximately 25 days between March and August 2026, targeting Massachusetts Bay, the Gulf of Maine, and nearby waters. Specific data delivery requirements include digital SLR photo-identification images with metadata, daily sightings logs, and satellite telemetry data in formats like CSV, TXT, PRV, KMZ, and PRX. Contractors must hold or be able to obtain Marine Mammal Protection Act permits by September 1, 2025. Responses are limited to five pages and must be submitted to Crystina Jubie by August 8, 2025, with capability statements detailing organizational experience, SAM registration, and business classification.
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Q&A for Sources Sought Notice 1305M325Q0179 –
Advancing Satellite Tag Technology for Large Whales
1. Q: Target Species: Should tagging efforts prioritize specific baleen whale species (e.g., humpback, North Atlantic right whales), or is a broader multi-species approach preferred?
A: The intended targets are large whales in the Gulf of Maine, particularly humpback and fin whales for whom there are long-term studies that will facilitate resighting of tagged individuals, and allow appropriate follow-up data to be collected during the study period
2. Q: Follow-up Health Assessment: What health metrics or methodologies (e.g., photographic assessment, biopsy sampling) are expected in the post-tagging evaluations?
A: Post-tagging evaluations should include photo documentation of the tag deployment site and corresponding flank area, from multiple angles and over multiple time intervals within the performance period, to allow for evaluation of wound healing, per similar previous studies (i.e. Robbins et al. 2013, Gulland et al. 2024, Zerbini et al. 2025). This requires the ability to relocate the tagged individuals over a period of weeks to months during the deployment period. Field plans for the health follow-up work should be coordinated with the NMFS TPOC and a marine mammal veterinarian. In the form of a final report; an electronic file of standard sightings data for baleen whales, effort data for the boat-based survey, satellite telemetry data files, and all relevant photo-identification images must be provided for each survey day.
3. Q: Training Cohort Size: Is there a recommended or required number of trainees for both the land-based and vessel-based modules?
A: Up to 5 scientists may be selected to participate in this program.
4. Q: Data Delivery Format: Does NOAA have specific file format or metadata standards for satellite telemetry, sighting logs, and photo-ID images?
A: Information on Photo-ID images should be taken with a digital SLR camera, equipped with a 100- 300m zoom lens. All standard digital camera metadata should be maintained, including GPS position if available for the camera used. Photographs for left and right dorsal fins, as well as the ventral surface of flukes (for humpback whales) should be collected. Raw and JPG files must be provided daily. Sightings logs must include date, time, latitude, longitude, species ID, number of individuals in a group, frames for associated photographs, and behavioral information. If tagging is attempted, information on the number of attempts, placement and positioning of the tag, and response of the animal must be provided. Satellite telemetry data must be provided in the standard raw and pre-processed formats, including CSV, TXT, PRV, KMZ, PRX. Access to the daily positional data via the Wildlife Computers data portal must be provided.
5. Timeline Expectations: Will the tagging season align with specific migration windows, or should proposals address year-round availability?
A: Approximately 25 days between March and August, 2026
6. Geographic Scope: Besides the Gulf of Maine, are adjacent waters (e.g., Stellwagen, Georges Bank) also in scope?
A: Massachusetts Bay, the Gulf of Maine, and nearby waters
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