Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

***See Combined Synopsis, SF18 and SOW for complete details*** The leatherback sea turtle is listed as endangered under the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA Fisheries and the US Fish a... ***See Combined Synopsis, SF18 and SOW for complete details*** The leatherback sea turtle is listed as endangered under the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA Fisheries and the US Fish and Wildlife Service share jurisdiction of all sea turtles listed under the ESA. NOAA Fisheries leads the conservation and recovery efforts for sea turtles in the marine environment by conducting various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of leatherback sea turtles. Research results are used to evaluate population trends, inform conservation management strategies, and to assess progress toward recovery for this imperiled species. NOAA’s work includes studying behavior through various types of tagging, satellite tracking, chemical analysis, and vessel and aerial surveys. The NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Protected Species Branch (PSB) is seeking a charter vessel to survey for leatherback sea turtles and support small boat operations, including deploying and recovering a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB). When turtles are located, the RHIB will be deployed with about 4 science personnel, if weather permits. Oceanographic sampling may be done from the charter vessel. The primary survey area is expected to occur in the areas south of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, with a focus in the area to the west of Nantucket Shoals. The desired timing and length of cruise is approximately 12 consecutive days between August 22 and September 3, 2021 (plus one day of staging prior to the cruise), though we might be able to accommodate a very slight shift in this time period.