F -- ESTABLISH PERMANENT MONITORING STATIONS FOR JOHNSON''S SEAGRASS

Notice Date

July 30, 2001

Contracting Office

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Central Administrative Support Center, 601 East 12th Street, Room 1756, Kansas City, MO, 64106

ZIP Code

64106

Solicitation Number

NFFN5300100016MLW

Response Due

August 15, 2001

Point of Contact

Mamie Wandick, Contract Specialist, Phone (816) 426-7267, Fax (816) 426-7532, Email mamie.l.wandick@noaa.gov

Description

The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service, intends to procure services through the Florida Marine Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Florida, the only known source, for establishing permanent monitoring stations, criteria, procedures, and locations for Halophila johnsonii (Johnson's seagrass). The Halophila johnsonii was recently listed as a threatened species under the U. S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) needs to establish long-term monitoring of the species status at representative and /or critical locations throughout its range since it is critical to understand this marine plant for effective conservation and management of the species. The objectives of the permanent monitoring stations project are: (1) To convene a workshop of experts to develop methodologies for a long-term monitoring project to determine: dispersal distances and times, distribution across depths, vegetative reproduction rate, mortality rate, turnover rate, stability of the species over time, causes of mortality, effects of competition from other seagrasses, influence of water quality on survival and abundance, and change in abundance over time; (2) Select monitoring stations at a set of locations recommended by the workshop experts formed in objective #1; (3) Implement methodologies at the sites; and, (4) Evaluate effectiveness of methods for permanent/long-term monitoring. The following evaluation criteria will apply: (1) Qualifications of Offerors, which includes a minimum of three years of experience in this type work. (2) Evaluation of the relative importance of technical criteria versus cost to the government. And, (3) Evaluation Criteria for establishing permanent monitoring stations: Criteria, Procedures, and Locations for Johnson's seagrass. This Evaluation Criteria component will include the following more specific requirements: Direct experience in developing and conducting long-term seagrass monitoring programs. Direct survey experience of Johnson's seagrass including the ability to identify Johnson's seagrass in monotypic and mixed seagrass beds and when flowering. Expert knowledge of seagrass biology and ecology. Institutional authority to develop and implement field sampling methods and monitoring program for this species in the State of Florida. Current Statewide GIS-data repository for seagrass surveys. Involvement in the development of the Johnson's Seagrass Recovery Plan and the designation of Critical Habitat for Johnson's seagrass. Experience in the use of Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) in the surveying of seagrass. Expert knowledge of ArcView Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software for data syntheses and evaluation in the production of maps and reports. Knowledge of the waters within the geographic range of Johnson's seagrass. Available facility and support staff available for hosting a workshop. And, an adequate number of trained staff and proper equipment available for performing large scale in-water survey projects. The project duration is 12 months. These services will be procured under FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions procedures. NAICS code 541710 applies. Requests for Quotations will be made available 15 calendar days after publication of this notice in the Commerce Business Daily. Any business sources capable of providing the specific services referenced are encouraged to respond to this announcement within 15 calendar days after publication. Interested firms should submit in writing, their name, address, point of contact, telephone number, business size, and brief statement regarding their capability and qualifications to conduct such work. See Note 22. Quotation. Requests may be faxed to (816) 426-7530, Attn: Mamie L. Wandick. =20

Web Link

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Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010801/FSOL006.HTM (D-211 SN50T471)