SSJ_143061-24-0173 (24-320)_Signed CS-CO-Redacted.pdf
PDF 322 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- FD-2024-320
About this file
This document is a Special Notice from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding a sole source contract opportunity to charter a research vessel for a marine mammal survey in the Behm Canal and southern Clarence Strait area of Southeast Alaska.
The key requirements are for a vessel between 70-100 feet in length with a maximum 10-foot draft, minimum 9-10 knot cruising speed, weather-protected wheelhouse, unobstructed observation deck, and accommodations for a 6-person scientific crew. The vessel must have specific capabilities to support data collection activities including visual observations, passive acoustic monitoring, photography, biopsy sampling, and water sampling. The survey is intended to provide updated information on the presence, distribution, and density of marine mammals in the area to support the Navy's environmental planning and compliance requirements.
The Government intends to award a firm fixed price contract to Yoors Yachting, Inc. of Auke Bay, Alaska, as the only vendor that can meet the specific requirements. Interested firms able to fully meet the Government's needs may submit substantiating documentation by August 13, 2024 for consideration of a competitive procurement. The survey is scheduled for September-October 2024.
View the file
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
PR 143061-24-0173
same, as the results of the data collection and assessment are necessary for the preparation of legally required documents (such as environmental impact statements and incidental harassment authorizations).
The Alaskan Song is the only vessel that can fulfill this obligation as it was the platform used for the 2023 spring survey (Purchase Order/Contract No. 1305M323PNFFS0168 - Yoors Yachting Inc.) and using another platform that did not exactly meet all of the specifications of this platform would compromise our ability to compare the spring survey to the fall survey by introducing any number of unknown variables. MML needs to pool data across the two years to complete the survey and obtain meaningful estimates of abundance. If a different vessel is used, data will not likely be comparable and accurate estimates of abundance may not be obtained. The use of the same vessel used in 2023 will allow data collection protocols to be repeated, ensuring total comparability of the data. In addition, the survey requires photographs and biopsy samples to be collected for certain marine mammal species. The Alaskan Song has a bowsprit that provides a unique platform for samples and photographs to be obtained as it places the observer as close as possible to a marine mammal group while minimizing disturbance to the animals. Finally, the overall size of the Alaskan Song allows for the cable runs required for the acoustic monitoring to be less than 40 ft. This ensures we get a strong signal reception required for monitoring the sonobuoys.
The longer the cable, the weaker the signal and thus the poorer our reception range, so ensuring that the cables are no longer than 40 ft is essential for quality data collection and comparability with previous years' data. Failure to perform the necessary data collection and analysis has already delayed incorporation into the Navy’s annual monitoring report to NMFS and incorporation into the Navy’s annual Marine Species Monitoring meeting, documentation that is necessary for the Navy to continue operations and to ensure protected species are not adversely affected during Navy activities. Yoors Yachting, Inc, is the only vendor that can meet our needs for this requirement.
5. Market Research.
To our knowledge, based on market research, no other research vessel platforms of this type exist in SAM.gov.
6. Technical/Requirements Representative Certification
I certify that this requirement constitutes the Government’s minimum needs and the supporting data provided herein is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Kim Shelden, CAEP COR II Date
Robert Foy Director, Alaska Fisheries Science Center Date
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .