Massachusetts Large Whale and Sea Turtle Conservation Program

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) is seeking a contractor to assist in the operation of the Massachusetts Large Whale and Sea Turtle Conservation Program. The program aims to document, protect, and recover large whale and turtle species found in state waters and adjacent areas. Key responsibilities include year-round on-call entanglement readiness and response, aerial and vessel-based surveillance and monitoring of right whales, and reporting of sightings. The contractor must have at least 10 years of experience disentangling large whales and sea turtles and obtain necessary permits. Proposals are due by October 29, 2021, and a single contractor or multiple contractors may be selected for an initial 3-year contract, with options to renew for 2 additional 3-year terms. The RFR states that $800,000 in annual federal funding is available, and proposals will be evaluated with a 10% weight on the required Supplier Diversity Plan, which outlines the bidder's approach to increasing diverse business participation and commitment to a minimum 1% spending target with certified diverse businesses.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will not discriminate against applicants based on various protected classifications and encourages applications from minoritized communities, businesses, and individuals. Bidders are required to submit a Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) Plan Form, which outlines the certified diverse business categories and the process for identifying and utilizing SDP Partners as part of the proposed approach. There is no listed incumbent vendor or current contractor, and the budget range is $800,000 annually in federal funding for this contract opportunity.