Southeast Fisheries Observer Programs
ID: 1305M325R0054Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541990)

PSC

NATURAL RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- FISHERIES RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (F020)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/29a65de785ae46cf80ab92c125acc74f/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is seeking proposals for the Southeast Fisheries Observer Programs and Platform Removal Observer Program through a total small business set-aside contract. The procurement involves providing qualified observers to collect critical environmental, biological, and fisheries data to support marine resource management and conservation efforts, with a focus on compliance with various regulations. This indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract has a maximum order limit of $24,837,381.52 and includes both Firm Fixed Price and Time and Materials components, with a performance period spanning five years from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. Interested parties should direct inquiries to Carina Topasna at Carina.Topasna@noaa.gov, and must submit past performance questionnaires by January 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM Pacific time.

    Point(s) of Contact
    TOPASNA, CARINA
    (206) 526-6350
    CARINA.TOPASNA@NOAA.GOV
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    1305M325R0054_Past_Performance_Questionaire.docx
    The document, Attachment 3, outlines the Past Performance Questionnaire process for federal government RFPs, specifically for the Department of Commerce, NOAA, and Acquisition and Grants Office. It provides detailed instructions for offerors and references to submit past performance information for vendor assessment. Offerors must send questionnaires for relevant projects from the past five years to references (Contracting Officer's Representatives for government contracts or similar personnel for commercial references). References can complete either an attached form or an online questionnaire via a provided link. Section A of the questionnaire is to be completed by the offeror, while Section B, for the evaluator, requests detailed project information and an objective assessment of the offeror's performance across key elements such as quality, schedule, cost control, business relations, management of key personnel, and utilization of small businesses. The deadline for submission is January 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM Pacific time, to Jamie.AbuShakrah@noaa.gov and Carina.Topasna@noaa.gov, with specific subject line requirements. The questionnaire includes a rating scale (Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory) for each performance element, along with space for comments. The overall purpose is to gather comprehensive and candid feedback to aid in the evaluation of potential vendors.
    1305M325R0054_Price_Schedule.xlsx
    This government file outlines a five-year ordering period for Sea Day Observer Support Services and associated expenses, spanning from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. The document details Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) line items for services such as Sea Day Observer Support, Standby Day, Debrief Day, Refresh/Cross Training Day, Post Trip Report Day, and Annotation Day. Additionally, it includes Time-and-Materials (T&M) line items for Travel Expenses with Not-To-Exceed (NTE) amounts that fluctuate slightly each ordering period. The quantities for FFP services generally show a slight decrease over the five ordering periods, while the NTE amounts for T&M Travel Expenses also exhibit minor variations. The file explicitly states that pre-populated values are estimates and not guarantees of annual or overall usage. The total estimated value for CLIN 0002 (T&M expenses) across all periods is $2,706,224.36.
    1305M325R0054_PWS_w_Attachments.pdf
    NOAA Fisheries seeks contractor support for its Southeast Fisheries Observer Programs (SEFOP) and Platform Removal Observer Program (PROP). The contractor will provide qualified observers to collect environmental, biological, and fisheries data to support marine resource management and conservation. Key responsibilities include observer recruitment, training logistics, ensuring compliance with regulations like the MSA, MMPA, and ESA, and maintaining data quality. Observers must meet specific education, experience, medical, and ethical standards, including a bachelor's degree in natural sciences and a three-week government training. The contractor manages project operations, quality control, and provides observer support, including travel, safety gear, and communication. Performance is monitored through measures like training pass rates, data quality, and timely deliverables, with penalties for non-compliance. The PWS outlines detailed requirements for all aspects of the observer programs, including managing personnel, coordinating deployments, and ensuring observer conduct and safety.
    1305M325R0054_WD_2004-0287_Rev_50.pdf
    This government file, Wage Determination No. 2004-0287 Revision No. 50, outlines the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for service contracts subject to the Service Contract Act. It details different hourly rates based on Executive Orders 14026 ($17.75 per hour) and 13658 ($13.30 per hour), depending on the contract award or renewal date in 2025. The document specifies wage rates for Fishery Observers I, II, and III, along with mandatory fringe benefits including health & welfare, paid sick leave (under EO 13706), vacation, and eleven paid holidays. Special provisions for Hawaii's health & welfare rates and uniform allowances are also included. The file concludes with procedures for conforming unlisted employee classifications using Standard Form 1444, ensuring appropriate wage rates and benefits for all service employees.
    Sol_1305M325R0054.pdf
    This government RFP, titled "WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB) SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES," outlines a five-year indefinite-quantity contract for Fishery Observer Support Services and Platform Removal Observer Program services for the NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC). The contract includes a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) CLIN for services and a Time and Materials (T&M) CLIN for associated travel, with a maximum order limit of $24,837,381.52 and a T&M ceiling price of $2,706,224.36. Key clauses cover inspection, payment (including hourly rates and material reimbursement), termination, and various federal regulations. The document also details requirements for scientific integrity, post-government employment restrictions, subcontracting with AbilityOne nonprofit organizations, and a strict policy against sexual assault and harassment, including mandatory training for contractor employees.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Southeast Fisheries Observer Programs
    Currently viewing
    Solicitation
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