Cable Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Research

Added: Jun 28, 2015 2:14 pm

The Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, (NEFSC) intends to issue a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for a firm, fixed price purchase order to test gear modifications in otter bottom trawl gear directed on summer flounder to determine the change, if any, on the targeted catch. This work must use a comparative experimental design and be outfitted in trawl gear that is representative of gear commonly used in the commercial fishery. The trawl net with the cable turtle excluder device (TED) must be compared to an acceptable control (e.g., trawl net with the cable TED removed) using accepted comparative sampling strategies.   The Contractor shall charter a minimum of two fishing vessels that traditionally fish otter bottom trawl gear for summer flounder. The vessel shall have adequate berthing and other accommodations to safely and comfortably accommodate up to two Scientific Data Collectors.  The vessels shall be properly permitted, have all required safety equipment and adequate space where the Scientific Data Collector can record the required catch information. The vessels shall be representative of vessels that operate in this fishery and have the sufficient horsepower to tow trawl nets with TEDs installed.

The RFQ will be issued on or about June 29, 2015, in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13 via the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website http://www.fedbizopps.gov. The RFQ number will be EE-133F-15-RQ-0718; hard copies of the RFQ will not be issued. It is incumbent upon the contractors to monitor the FedBizOpps site for RFQ release and all subsequent amendments. The anticipated award date will be on or about July 13, 2015.  The proposed award is 100% set aside for small business concerns. This acquisition will be awarded as a firm -fixed price order under simplified acquisition procedures. All responsible sources may submit a quote which shall be considered by the agency. To be eligible for award, vendors must obtain a DUNS number (this may be done by calling 1-800-333-0505) and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) www.Sam.gov.  The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the acquisition is 541712 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The small business size standard is 500 employees. Copies of the solicitation will only be posted on FedBizOpps. If you download a copy of the solicitation, please email your company name and address or fax the information to (508) 495-2004. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to: kelly.taranto@noaa.gov.