Senior C++ programmer to modify the COMPASS model

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seeks a senior C++ programmer to modify the COMPASS ecological model for fish survival predictions, with proposals due August 21 and questions closed. The procurement is set aside for Women-Owned Small Business (100% requirement), and is solicited as a firm-fixed-price RFQ under solicitation 1305M326Q0368. Amendment 1, issued August 17, extended the deadline and added an RFI Tracker with 22 government responses addressing contractor inquiries.

Place of performance is Seattle, Washington (Fish Ecology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East), though work may be performed remotely with NOAA system access provided. The contract period runs October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 (base year), with two option years extending through September 30, 2029. Government estimates 225–275 hours of work annually on a firm-fixed-price basis; contractors must estimate total hours required.

Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in computer science, 10 or more years of applied programming experience, and proven C++ proficiency. Strongly preferred: coursework in ecology, fisheries, oceanography, or natural resources, and experience with complex ecological models informing management decisions. Base year deliverables include completing graphical user interface development and Windows installer, expanding the adult passage module for upstream migration and dam passage, implementing regional office modifications for management actions, and routine maintenance. Option years include tributaries modeling expansion, potential fall Chinook life history and Columbia River estuary features, and continued efficiency improvements.

All code and documentation become U.S. Government property. NAICS code 541511 ($34 million size standard) applies; PSC is B516. Evaluation weighs technical approach and capability at approximately equal weight to price and past performance. Contractors must have active SAM registration at quote submission and complete security clearance prior to work start. Partial monthly invoicing is acceptable upon deliverable acceptance.