U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, WASC, Acquisition Management Division WC3, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bin C15700, Seattle, WA 98115-0070

R -- NOTICE OF PROPOSED SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT WITH TEXAS A&M RESEARCH FOUNDATION SOL WASC8-1762 POC Randall Brown (206) 526-6226/FAX (206) 526-6025 Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract with the Texas A&M Research Foundation (Foundation). Purpose of contract is to interview and discuss Steller sea lion research with National Marine Mammal Lab (NMML) biologists and staff; provide support; conduct analysis of population survey data, foraging information gained from satellite-linked-depth recorders and other instruments; design, develop, and test experimental procedures to count Steller sea lions using remote sensing technology; design, develop and test technology and software to estimate volume of resting steller sea lions at remote sites and in captivity. Dr. Horning of the Foundation is an internationally recognized expert on pinniped foraging ecology and has experience in the fields of foraging behavior, physiology, and ecology, as well as population demographics of marine diving animals. Dr. Horning has specific experience relating to Steller sea lions (electronic data recorders, satellite telemetry, the analysis of spatio-temporal variability of prey density and its effects on dining animals; as well as aerial-terrestrial and ship-based population surveys). Qualifications and research experience focus on species that have declined in the southern hemisphere, specifically seals and sea lions. Sources with similar qualifications and experience may request solicitation by fax. This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $100,000. Posted 08/24/98 (W-SN240956). (0236)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0092 19980826\R-0017.SOL)