False Killer Whale Research

The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is requesting proposals for contracted data collection to support conservation and long-term management of the insular false killer whale population in Hawaiian waters, with proposals due September 11, 2026 by 2:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time via the HIePRO electronic system.

Minimum qualifications are five years' experience researching false killer whales and other ESA-listed species in Hawaiian waters, current NMFS scientific research permits for the full contract term, and three references from government and private sectors for comparable services. The contractor must obtain matching funds totaling $45,000 through in-kind staff, volunteer hours, and vessel support, documented at contract completion.

The scope encompasses field data collection using photography, UAV imaging, breath sampling, fecal sampling, biopsy collection, and satellite tagging on live animals, plus comprehensive data analysis and outreach activities. Work is performed in Hawaii in cooperation with DAR and the University of Hawaii Health and Stranding Laboratory. The contract term is approximately twelve months commencing upon issuance of a Notice to Proceed and concluding by September 30, 2027, with no option or extension terms contemplated.

Pricing must be submitted as a single all-inclusive amount on Offer Form OF-2, inclusive of the Hawaii General Excise Tax at 4.5% for work performed on Oahu. The contract is fully funded by federal funds under NOAA Award No. NA25NMFX472G0017 (period of performance January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027). Proposals are evaluated on a 100-point scale: Evidence of Experience (60 points), Project Proposal/Program Objectives/Timeline (20 points), and Budget (20 points), with a minimum qualifying score of 65 points required. Contractors must comply with Hawaii Compliance Express at the time of award and maintain independent-contractor status with all associated tax and insurance obligations.