Description
The NOAA Acquisition & Grants Office intends to award a sole‑source contract to the Alaska Whale Foundation for professional services that will support long‑term whale monitoring in Southeast Alaska. The work comprises two interrelated research projects: (1) estimating gray whale abundance, habitat use, and energetic benefits in Sitka Sound, and (2) identifying and evaluating humpback whale foraging hotspots throughout northern Southeast Alaska. The Foundation must provide integrated data collection—including systematic surveys, photo‑identification, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) photogrammetry, and biologging tag deployment—and must hold the necessary NMFS research permits. The effort will involve 1‑2 field teams (3‑4 personnel each) operating small research vessels for 3‑5 days per week over the summer season.
• Sole‑source award to Alaska Whale Foundation (only entity with required vessels, permits, and expertise).
• Scope: integrated marine‑mammal research, data collection, bio‑energetic modeling, and habitat analysis.
• Duration: summer field season (approximately three months).
• Required capabilities: small vessel operations in remote Alaskan waters, peer‑reviewed cetacean research experience, NMFS permits for gray and humpback whales.
• Submissions: written substantiating documentation due within 15 days of the 19 Aug 2020 posting (deadline 3 Sep 2020).