B--PR GATHERING ESSENTIAL LIFE HISTORY INFORMATION

This federal solicitation amendment (Amendment 0001 to RFQ 1333MF26Q0115) is issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Field Delegates in Kansas City, Missouri. The amendment primarily serves to extend the quotation deadline to September 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM, and to publish official answers to vendor questions regarding a biological sampling and survey contract in Puerto Rico. Key clarifications provided in the Q&A include: - **Scope and Schedule:** The project involves a maximum of 20 vessel-days (individual field trips) per year. The preferred sampling period runs from October to July, averaging two trips per month. - **Staffing and Observers:** The requirement for two observers represents 40 aggregate observer-days, with one observer stationed onboard the vessel and one in the laboratory. - **Equipment and Geography:** Contractors must provide one handheld CTD or YSI device for use across sequential sampling trips. Sampling will occur sequentially, rather than simultaneously, across the north, west, and south regions of Puerto Rico. - **Performance Period:** Fieldwork and lab testing must be completed within 12 months of the contract award, while an additional 90-day window (extending to December 31) is reserved specifically for final report writing. To remain eligible for award, offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment and maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

This Request for Quotation (RFQ), solicitation number 1333MF26Q0115, is issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The agency is seeking a scientific and technical consulting contractor to coordinate and execute a collaborative research project in Puerto Rico. The primary objective is to collect essential life history data (including age, growth, and maturity samples) from commercially important reef fishes to enhance stock assessments. The contractor will secure three to six commercial fishing vessels, captains, and trained onboard observers to conduct 20 days of fieldwork per year across Puerto Rico's northern, western, and southern waters. Under a non-personal services contract, the contractor is responsible for logistical coordination, observer training, sampling equipment procurement, and initial data entry. NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) will provide the statistical survey design and lead data analysis. The procurement is a total small business set-aside with a base performance period from the date of award through August 31, 2027, plus two consecutive one-year option periods. Quotes are due by September 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. Evaluation will be based on technical acceptability/capability (maximum 5 pages), past experience (maximum 3 pages), and price. Offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and submit their quotes via email to Shawana Randolph.