The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), reference number EA133F-09-BAA-17093, to solicit cooperative research proposals that address research topics relative to Northeast fisheries. These topics are:
1. Industry based fishery independent fixed gear surveys that will assist in filling data gaps;
2. Enhanced stock monitoring supporting the management transition to Allowable Catch Limits and sectors; and
3. Expanded conservation engineering studies with an emphasis on by-catch reduction and industry assistance in adopting new technology.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), Northeast Cooperative Research Program (NCRP) has identified these research themes and species priorities through a strategic planning initiative that was started in December 2008. A Cooperative Research Coordinating Committee comprising members from the New England Fisheries Management Council, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Northeast Regional Office and Northeast Fisheries Science Center was developed to guide this initiative. Five (5) public workshops were held including two associated with Regional Council meetings, and research themes were presented to the Northeast Regional Coordinating Committee, which generally agreed with the proposed research themes and approaches.
Additional meetings were then held with industry to further refine the themes.
Public access to the BAA package is provided at the Government-wide Point of Entry – Fedbizopps.gov <http://www.Fedbizopps.gov> and by visiting the website: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/StateFedOff/coopresearch/crpc.html. Questions regarding proposal submission may be addressed via e-mail to Timothy.Wampler@noaa.gov and shall refer to this announcement and reference number EA133F-09-BAA-17093. All responsible sources may submit a research proposal that will be considered by the Government. Research proposals submitted through ** 4:30 p.m. EDT August 3, 2009 ** will be considered at this time for Fiscal Year 2009 funding. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the government to an award under this announcement. All resulting awards shall be contracts governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and any applicable OMB Circular. Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions are encouraged to apply. This action is unrestricted. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541710, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The size standard is 500 employees. All potential Offerors are reminded that prior to the award of any contract, the Offeror shall possess a valid Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), Tax Identification Number (TIN), and be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. Questions on this announcement should be submitted in writing to Timothy Wampler at Timothy.Wampler@noaa.gov.