NFFS73002201816 Statement of Work RFQ.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

NF-FS7300-22-01816

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 Cook Inlet beluga 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. This project has documented our ability to collect a large number of high-resolution photographs of 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 in Anchorage Alaska is required for 7-10 days each of the three survey 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 UAS survey, which is 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.

· 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 at least two bathrooms.

· Have a washing machine and dryer.

· Have reliable internet connection.

· Have off-street parking.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Base Period, housing will be required during the following three periods in 2022:

· 25 July - 2 August, three people

· 9 - 16 August, three people

· 23 - 31 August, three people Option Period 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, 2023. Exact dates are TBD by the Marine Mammal Lab, and contingent upon a government need and funding still existing.

Option Period 2, 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, 2024. Exact dates are TBD by the Marine Mammal Lab, and contingent upon a government need and funding still existing.

Option Period 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, 2025. Exact dates are TBD by the Marine Mammal Lab, and contingent upon a government need and funding still existing.