The Eastern Region Acquisition Division (ERAD) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Norfolk, VA is soliciting quotes, on behalf of the Ecosystem Survey Branch and the Cooperative Research Program of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for priority research projects relative to Northeast fisheries. The research will emphasize industry based fishery independent trawl survey practices that will assist in filling data gaps relative to flatfish stock assessments. The vessels shall be involved in conducting a trawl net sweep comparison study and biological sampling of flatfish populations in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and Southern New England.
The purpose of the sampling will be:
(1) to conduct experimental work to estimate net efficiency for each net used in the survey for a range of depths and habitat types; and
(2) to provide biological sampling and tagging opportunities.
The project will evaluate flatfish catchability of a Bigelow 4-seam net with rock hopper and cookie sweeps across the range of suitable flatfish habitats. While winter flounder is a priority, the survey project will broadly address flatfish catchability, and will be directed by NEFSC staff. Winter, summer and yellowtail flounder catch rates and size composition will be compared across habitat types and with inshore and offshore surveys. Results will inform discussions on the need for a dedicated flatfish survey in the future. For solicitation documents, please click on the following links.
Twin Trawl Flatfish Survey – Southern New England — DUE DATE: AUGUST 14, 2009
Solicitation Number: EA133F-09-RQ-0926
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=92fb9f41b9349799cbe0ded85fa3378b&_cview=0
Paired Trawl Flatfish Survey – Georges Bank — DUE DATE: AUGUST 24, 2009
Solicitation Number: EA133F-09-RQ-0938
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=36d648458d3675d8216c2ed1e5af90ea&_cview=0
Paired Trawl Flatfish Survey – Gulf of Maine — DUE DATE: AUGUST 24, 2009
Solicitation Number: EA133F-09-RQ-0937
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=d3b66119aa9614543dad1cb470bf2f7b&_cview=0
Paired Trawl Flatfish Survey– Southern New England — DUE DATE: AUGUST 24, 2009
Solicitation Number: EA133F-09-RQ-0927
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=f4b737693a7beee0e81e95fd6a9008e3&tab=core&_cview=1&cck=1&au=&ck=
*Note – these solicitations are for vessel bids to perform work directed by NEFSC scientists. Thus original research proposals are NOT being solicited for this work. Application directions are included in the solicitation documents accessible through the links above. Bids will be evaluated on a best value basis according to the following factors, listed in descending order of importance, (1) Vessel characteristics and configuration (2) Vessel’s commercial fishing history fishing capability (3) Master’s and crew’s work experience and qualifications (4) Pertinent vessel documentation including stability letter, marine insurance coverage, and structural survey or insurance inspection and (5) Price. Questions on the solicitations may be directed to Timothy.Wampler@noaa.gov
Also please note that there is a very short turn-around for these solicitations: August 14th for the Twin Trawl project in SNE, and August 24th for the Paired Trawl surveys, though late applications may be considered. We apologize for the short turn-around, but would like to get projects started for the 2009 Fall season in SNE, and Spring 2010 for the other areas. Additional industry-based cooperative research projects are planned for the 2010 Fiscal Year, and will be announced at a later date.