Sources Sought - NOAA NEFSC MIKE Disease Modeling Co-Development.pdf

RFI # NF-FM7820-22-01892 - NEFSC MIKE Disease Modeling

SOURCES SOUGHT

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), MIKE Disease Modeling Co-Development Project

Submission deadline:

Proposed Period of Performance:

01 August 2022 1 October 2022 – 30 September 2024 (Base + One 1 year option)

This request for information is issued to identify potential sources for the upcoming Disease Modeling Co- Development Project, to determine the capabilities of the vendor pool and anticipated competition. The information provided will be used to inform potential acquisition strategies and to support a determination about whether or not to set-aside the acquisition.

This is an RFI only and is not a solicitation for a contract or grant award. It is not a request for proposals, and it does not obligate the government in any way. The Government will not reimburse the respondents for any costs associated with the information submitted in response to this request. This RFI does not obligate the government to reimburse any costs associated with the preparation and/or submission of this information. Nor does this RFI guarantee that the government will issue a request for proposal or award a contract for supplies or services.

Project Background NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) at Milford, CT is currently conducting research to characterize the dynamics of disease transmission of the viral pathogen ostreid herpesvirus-1 microvariant (OsHV-1µvar) in Pacific oysters. The NEFSC requires a contract for spatiotemporal marine disease modeling expertise to co-develop a spatiotemporal model estimating the risk of spread and infection of OsHV-1µvar in Pacific oysters on the West Coast of the US. The vendor will use the MIKE Powered by DHI software platform to integrate hydrodynamic models with particle tracking, biological, and disease transmission models to estimate dispersal and corresponding risk of infection via hydrodynamic connectivity as well as shipping ballast water exchange. Model outputs and results will be used to inform research priorities on the spread and mitigation of marine aquaculture diseases.

Through the duration of this task order, NEFSC will require a software license for MIKE Powered by DHI to be provided by the contractor, as well as training on use of the software as needed for co-development of the project.

Summary of Tasks Task 1: Project Management

Provide project management services to initiate and maintain collaboration between NEFSC and the vendor, including:

A. Software Licensing B. Data Security C. Training Support

Task 2: Development of model concept map Provide a concept map outlining the workflow of the model. This may include, but is not limited to the required data inputs, processing steps, and expected outputs.

Task 3: Hydrodynamic model Use the MIKE Hydrodynamic (HD) models to provide boundary conditions for the physical extent of the model. The model will include Pacific oyster populations located along the West Coast of the US from the northern border of Washington State to the southern border of California

Task 4: Particle Tracking and Biological Models Customize the parameters of the particle-tracking (MIKE ABM Lab) and biological model (MIKE ECO Lab) templates

Task 5: Ballast Water Dispersion Risk Execute a dispersion risk of OsHV-1µvar through ballast water discharge using AIS track analyses and available USCG ballast water regulations.

Task 6: Model Coupling and Refinement Couple the ABM and ECO Lab templates with the HD models and incorporate the ballast water dispersion risk assessment. Review and refine the model templates accordingly.

Task 7: Simulation of transmission and mitigation scenarios Execute the experimental model scenarios. These scenarios shall include present day scenarios, future warming conditions, and implementation of mitigation measures

Summary of Deliverables

1. Monthly task accomplishment reports & technical progress reports

2. Diagram of model concept map

3. Data element list

4. HD model template

5. Custom ABM/ECO Lab templates

6. Vessel network map

7. Dispersion risk assessment

8. Output data from model test runs

9. Updated ABM/ECO lab templates

10. Output data from experimental model runs

11. Final report on model structure and simulation results

12. Open Source model templates

Information Requested

1. Capability statement – Please provide a capability statement that shows your firm’s capability to perform the services described above. Please include a description of your firm’s expertise and resources which would be applied to this project, including:

A. Demonstrated knowledge and experience developing coupled biophysical models integrating aquatic animal biology and disease transmission models into underlying hydrodynamic models and AIS traffic data on a coastal scale.

B. Refining conceptual model frameworks and constructing models using the MIKE Powered by DHI software (including, but not limited to the hydrodynamic models, particle-tracking functions, and ecological models).

C. Integrate data elements into the modeling framework to simulate transmission of diseases in US West Coast Pacific oyster (or similar) populations.

D. Provide output data, graphs, and images from model scenarios, and the finalized model templates similar to those in this project.

Please limit this section to 2 pages.

2. Sample Experience – Please include brief description of up to 3 projects of similar size, scope, and complexity to the services described herein. Please include a summary of the work completed, the dollar value, and period of performance.

Please limit this section to 1 page.

3. Company information and points of contact – Name, address, CAGE, DUNS, and point of contact email.

Questions - Please submit any questions related to this RFI no later than 1 August 2022 to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist at joseph.hetrick@noaa.gov AND alexander.vierra@noaa.gov.

mailto:joseph.hetrick@noaa.gov mailto:alexander.vierra@noaa.gov