26-492 Manta Ray Tagging and Biological Sampling

This NOAA solicitation seeks a small‑business contractor to conduct field operations in the Mississippi River Delta (Louisiana) to locate, satellite‑tag, and collect biological samples from giant manta rays (Manta birostris). The effort includes providing two qualified personnel, a vessel (or arranging vessel services), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for aerial searches, specialized tagging gear, and all necessary dive and free‑diving equipment. Work is planned for a total of five operational days during the base period (Sept 1 2026 – July 31 2027) with optional extensions of up to ten days in each of three one‑year option periods. The contractor must deliver data, invoices, and a Data Management Plan, and will receive satellite tags from the government. Payment is on a single‑award, firm‑fixed‑price, net‑30 basis. • Location: Mississippi River Delta, staged from Venice, LA (or nearby port) • Scope: search, tag, and sample manta rays; use vessel and UAS; provide all gear and personnel • Duration: 5 days (base) + up to 10 days per option (three optional years) • Deliverables: tagging data, biological samples, invoices, Data Management Plan, final reports, public data sharing • Set‑aside: Small Business (including HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB) • Submission: electronic quote by 09/17/2026 16:00 EST to [email protected]