Southeast Right Whale Early Warning System
ID: REQUIREMENTS-25-0651Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATIONDEPT OF COMMERCE NOAASEATTLE, WA, 98115, USA

NAICS

Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services (541370)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/15c83fbc6ab647408c153399dfdf83af/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is seeking qualified contractors for the Southeast Right Whale Early Warning System (EWS) to monitor and protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale population. The primary objectives include conducting aerial surveys from December 1 to March 31 annually, utilizing photographic identification techniques, reporting sightings, and responding to threats or injuries to the whales, thereby enhancing conservation efforts in their critical habitat. This initiative is vital for the management of marine mammal populations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, ensuring compliance with federal regulations aimed at species recovery. Interested parties must submit a capabilities statement by 3:00 PM Eastern Time on February 7, 2025, to the primary contact, Grace Parker, at grace.parker@noaa.gov, and the secondary contact, Kristina Kolata, at kristina.kolata@noaa.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Grace Parker
    grace.parker@noaa.gov
    Kristina Kolata
    kristina.kolata@noaa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment 1 EWS Aerial Survey Protocols Dec2024 (1).pdf
    The document outlines the protocols for the NOAA Early Warning System (EWS) Aerial Survey for right whales, emphasizing the roles, responsibilities, and safety guidelines for contractors and survey teams during the annual survey season. Key points include a detailed structure of survey teams comprising scientific personnel and flight crews, mandatory training and safety equipment for observers, and protocols for data collection, error-checking, and submission. The document specifies communication protocols for reporting whale sightings and interactions, including urgent scenarios requiring immediate assistance from Coast Guard or law enforcement. Additionally, the need for collaboration between survey teams and timely dissemination of sighting data is emphasized. Regular performance records and end-of-season reporting are required to document surveys conducted, whale interactions, and any observed incidents involving entangled or injured whales. The purpose of the protocols aligns with federal regulations and grants aimed at the conservation of North Atlantic right whales, ensuring that the survey efforts support effective management and protection strategies. The document serves as a dynamic reference to adjust practices as needed while ensuring compliance with governmental oversight and contributing to the recovery of the endangered right whale species.
    Early Warning System SOW.pdf
    The purpose of this document is to outline the Statement of Work (SOW) for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding the Southeast Right Whale Early Warning System (EWS) conducted by the Southeast Regional Office's Protected Resources Division. The North Atlantic right whale population is critically endangered, primarily due to entanglements in fishing gear and vessel strikes, particularly during the winter calving season in Southeast United States waters. The SOW specifies that a contractor is needed to provide an aerial survey team to monitor right whale populations from December 1 to March 31 annually, collaborating with existing survey teams in Georgia. Key objectives include detecting right whales, photographing individuals for identification, reporting sightings, and responding to any threats or injuries to the whales. The document details tasks and requirements for the contractor, including aircraft specifications, survey protocols, data collection and management, and the timeline for deliverables. The overarching goal is to protect these endangered whales through data-driven monitoring and coordination among federal and state agencies, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts for the species in their critical habitat. Overall, the document illustrates the government's commitment to marine mammal protection and emphasizes collaborative efforts in managing endangered species.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Southeast Right Whale Early Warning System
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