Refining seasonal cetacean density models

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seeks refining of seasonal cetacean density models and Hawaiian monk seal assessment workflows to support marine mammal management in the Pacific Islands, with quotes due September 7, 2026 (extended from August 31). The procurement is set-aside for total small business concerns under NAICS 541990 with a $19.5 million size standard.

Place of performance includes Honolulu, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands region. The contractor must provide one in-person collaborative workweek in Honolulu for each of two positions. The statement of work requires a cetacean statistical modeler with expertise in density surface modeling, R programming, ship-based line-transect data processing, and collaborative development; and a Hawaiian monk seal analyst with expertise in data collection protocols, SAS programming, data management, and transitioning workflows to R. The contractor provides all necessary labor, equipment, and materials for non-personal services statistical modeling work.

Period of performance runs October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Deliverables include assistance with species density estimation, survey data processing, environmental data handling, model validation, population assessments, GitHub code repositories, and peer-reviewed publications with specific due dates from December 2026 through September 2027. All deliverables become property of the U.S. Government. The Government intends to award a single firm fixed-price purchase order with Net 30 payment terms. Evaluation prioritizes non-price technical solution factors (technical approach and past performance) significantly over price, with award to the offeror providing best value. PSC code is B524 (Special Studies/Analysis—Mathematical/Statistical). The contracting officer is Stephanie Garnett at stephanie.m.garnett@noaa.gov.