PROVIDE EXPERTISE IN FISHING AND COLLECTION OF SHARKS TO ASSIST CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH EFFORTS

NOTICE: THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. The information provided in response to this notice will assist the Government in determining the extent of business capable of performing the type of work described herein. The intent of the announcement is to identify all sources that are qualified of furnishing the National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Protected Species Division Honolulu, Hawaii with the following: Background: The PIFSC Hawaiian Monk Seal Research (HMSRP) has the aim of enhancing the understanding of the monk seal, and to develop and maintain the scientific background necessary for the recovery of the seal population. Specific tasks to be completed by the contractor: The contractor will provide expertise in fishing and collection of sharks to assist conservation and research efforts for the Hawaiian monk seal. Services provided will include field work in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands where, the capture of sharks using a variety of techniques, dispatching and processing of shark for collection of biological and cultural samples, produce written documents summarizing fishing effort and other duties. Training and field work occur in Honolulu, Hawaii and French Frigate Shoals (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands) from approximately March 1 - September 10, 2011. Previous experience should include at least one to three (1-3) years of shark fishing or shark research experience with proven ability to capture and handle large sharks utilizing hand lines, drum lines and long line bottom sets; ability to identify near-shore shark species; ability to construct, deploy and maintain fishing gear; experience working in remote locations; and others. The work is conducted in a harsh remote environment and contractors are expected to be able to work long hours in the sun. P eriod of performance is approximately March 1 - September, 10, 2011. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 11411 with a size standard of $4.0 million and 541690 with a size standard of $7.0 million. All contractors doing business with the Government are now required to be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). In addition, completion of the online representation and certifications application (ORCA) is required. NOTE: THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL BUT A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. No solicitation document is available. No contract will be awarded on the basis of responses received to this notice. All interested parties must respond to this announcement by December 31, 2010. Documentation to support the contractor's capability to perform these services must be submitted in writing and include the point of contact and phone number, and a description of services performed under previous contracts for the same services, DUNS Number, CCR, Cage Number, business type and size, and a brief narrative regarding its capability to provide the services as described above. Any response that does not include this information will not be considered. The Government will review each response to determine if the contractor has the experience, knowledge, and capability to perform the service as specified above. Detailed information must be submitted by email to the address noted below by 4:00 PM local (HST) Hawaiian Standard Time, December 31, 2010. Email Address: [email protected] . Questions of any nature must be addressed in writing as NO TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WILL BE HONORED.