Marine Mammal Bycatch Fishery Liaison Services for the National Marine Fisheries Service

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Protected Resource Division (PRD) located in St. Petersburg, FL intends to procure services from a qualified Contractor to provide work in conjunction with the NMFS to increase and improve communications with the commercial fishing industry relative to the importance of their role in the successful implementation of the marine mammal take reduction plan requirements. This position is identified as a marine mammal bycatch fishery liaison responsible for the Southeast Region (from North Carolina to and including Florida) to: (1)facilitate two-way communication with commercial fishermen; (2) conduct outreach on current management measures; and (3) contribute to the take reduction plans' effectiveness. This function is in support of Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) that requires NMFS to develop and implement Take Reduction Plans (TRPs) to assist in the recover or prevent the depletion of strategic marine mammal stocks that interact with Category I and II fisheries. The NMFS convenes Take Reduction Teams (TRTs) to develop TRPs to meet short and long-term goals. TRTs consist of a balance of representatives from the fishing industry, fishery management councils, state and federal resource management agencies, the scientific community, and conservation organizations. These teams develop, via consensus, recommendations for a draft TRP for NMFS to consider for implementation. The contractor shall provide and retain the necessary materials, equipment, services, and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to collect updated information regarding fishing operations and to disseminate information through interviews, public meetings, training, dock visits, workshops, and informal means. The anticipated period of performance for this acquisition is for a base period of 12 months, beginning September 30, 2014 through September 29, 2015, and four, 12-month option periods. In order for a contractor to be considered for award, they must first meet the following minimum qualifications: 1. Have a minimum of three years past experience working with the current commercial fishing industry on marine mammal bycatch issues from North Carolina through the east coast of Florida; 2. Be available to travel regularly to conduct work specified in this requirement; 3. Have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of current commercial fisheries and marine mammal fishery interactions from North Carolina through the east coast of Florida; 4. Have a demonstrated knowledge of current Take Reduction Plans implemented along the Atlantic Coast. This acquisition is 100% set-aside for small business concerns. The NAICS code is 541690 and the small business size standard is $14.0 million. The DOC, NOAA, Eastern Acquisition Division-Kansas City (EAD-KC) Office requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM please access the following web site: http://www.sam.gov. In order to register, all Contractors must have a Dunn & Bradstreet Number. A Dunn & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dunn & Bradstreet on-line at http://www.dnb.com/eupdate or by phone at (800) 333-0505. All small businesses interested in accessing a copy of the solicitation must submit a written request to the attention of Jackie Shewmaker via email at jackie.a.shewmaker@noaa.gov, no later than close of business on August 5, 2014. Requests must include a company name, contact person, and DUNS number.