Inactive

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS and is not a pre-solicitation announcement. The purpose of this Market Research and Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of potential qualified U.S. Domestic bu... This is a SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS and is not a pre-solicitation announcement. The purpose of this Market Research and Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of potential qualified U.S. Domestic businesses, which could include Small Business, HUBZone, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Women Owned Small Business firms and even Large Businesses. Responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis will be used by the Government in making appropriate acquisition decisions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (office) (background information for requirement). BACKGROUND: This is a requirement for non-personal services for a Vessel Charter to support a fishery-dependent contracted commercial fishing vessel. The contractor will provide a trawl vessel with the equipment necessary described below under Vessel Requirements; captain and crew; and all other material necessary to complete catch comparisons for Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) with reduced bar spacing (2.5-inch spacing) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) offshore (> 3 miles) shrimp fishery between the mouth of the Mississippi River and Galveston, TX. This project is focused on reducing bycatch of small sea turtles (body depths < 4 inches) in trawls equipped with TEDs that target shrimp in the GOM. Optimal TED bar spacing that minimizes the risk of small sea turtle capture in the shrimp fishery is informed through review and analysis of fishery observer data. New TED prototypes developed to exclude small sea turtles need to be evaluated for target-catch shrimp retention and bycatch reduction on commercial fishing grounds. Limited observer coverage of the offshore GOM shrimp fishery from 2008 through 2022 documented the capture of 68 sea turtles in the codends of TED-equipped shrimp otter trawls. These turtles were small enough to pass through TED grids with allowable 4-inch bar spacing. Once in the codend, turtles can no longer access the TED escape opening risking drowning due to forcible submergence. Review of size distribution data of all turtles observed in the offshore fishery indicate that sea turtles encountered in this portion of the fishery had Body Depths (BDs) greater than 2.5 inches. Based on this information, TED prototypes with 2.5-inch bar spacing were developed and evaluated for sea turtle exclusion effectiveness through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NFMS) small turtle testing protocol. TED designs approved through the protocol were then tested aboard a NMFS research vessel to evaluate target catch retention and bycatch reduction performance. Designs with promising results are now slated for further evaluation aboard multiple contracted commercial vessels to gauge performance under commercial conditions on traditional fishing grounds in areas where small turtle interactions occur. INTENDED USE/PURPOSE: NOAA Fisheries has a requirement for two vessels for work in the GOM offshore (> 3 miles) shrimp fishery between the mouth of the Mississippi River and Galveston, TX and intends to issue firm fixed price contracts based on these requirements. One (1) is needed to conduct comparative testing of an experimental narrow bar spacing (2.5-inch) and control standard bar spacing (4-inch) TED for 15 days. The NMFS, SEFSC, will construct TEDs for these efforts and perform initial installations and provide instructions for gear handling during testing. DELIVERY SCHEDULE/PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: For the vessel, the TEDs shall be towed for a minimum of 15 successful tows during 15 contract days anytime between the date of contract award through July 31, 2024. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 483114 with a size standard of 550 employees. Interested firms shall provide, in writing, a brief narrative (no more than 3 pages in length) and documentation to support your firm’s capability and experience meeting the requirements herein and include your firm’s name, address, point of contact, telephone number, UEID Number, CCR CAGE Number, business type and size (i.e., small, large, non-profit, educational, etc.). Any response that does not include this information will not be considered. The Government will review your response to determine if your firm has the experience, knowledge and capability to provide the items as specified above. This request for information does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. Nor does this request for information constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that any procurement action may be issued for the Government’s requirements. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise because of the submission of contractor’s information. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. All contractors doing business with the Government are required to be registered and active with the System for Award Management (SAM) website. NOTE: THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL BUT A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. No solicitation document is available. No contract will be awarded based on responses received to this notice.