Northern Research Technical Assistance Center

Northern Research Technical Assistance Center, doing business as Nortac, is a non-profit organization registered in SAM.gov that specializes in providing research, monitoring, and educational services related to avian wildlife populations, primarily in Alaska. The organization focuses on conducting scientific research and engagement programs for federal civilian agencies, with a particular emphasis on seabird populations, marine ecosystems, and youth education in environmental sciences. Nortac has established itself as a specialized technical assistance provider for federal agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, offering targeted scientific research and data collection services.

Nortac has consistently received federal contract awards from civilian agencies for specialized bird-related research and monitoring projects. The contract awards predominantly involve seabird population surveys, bird colony monitoring, and specific restoration projects across Alaska. These contracts, ranging from $11,800 to $44,750, have been awarded by the U.S. Geological Survey's Office of Acquisitions and Grants and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The contract work includes specific projects such as bird surveys in the Lower Cook Inlet, monitoring bird colonies in Anchorage, conducting guillemot restoration in Prince William Sound, and performing comprehensive bird count studies. None of these contract awards involved set-aside designations, and in several instances, Nortac was identified as the sole-source provider for these specialized scientific services.

Nortac's federal grant awards primarily focus on educational and youth engagement programs centered on seabird research and conservation. The organization has received cooperative agreements from the Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service to implement initiatives like the Pribilof Seabird Youth Network and the Beringia Seabird Youth Network. These grant-funded programs are designed to build local scientific capacity by engaging K-12 students in seabird monitoring, providing opportunities for youth to learn about marine ecosystems, contribute to long-term scientific data collection, and promote scientific interest among native youth. The grants, which range from one to three years, involve partnerships with local school districts, tribal councils, and scientific communities, creating unique educational experiences that blend scientific research with community engagement.