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

A -- SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT WITH TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, GALVESTON, TX. SOL WASC8-1597 POC Randall Brown (voice) (206) 526-6226)/FAX (206) 526-6025 This publication serves as notice of intent to procure, on a sole source basis, with Texas A&M University at Galveston Research Foundation (Texas A&M) for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Purpose of contract is to have Texas A&M investigate possible adverse impacts of the tuna fishery on ETP dolphin pupulations for the SWFC International Conservation Program. Contractor will analyze dietary history and nutritional status of dolphins using fatty acid signatures and stable isotopes. Dr. Worthy at Texas A&M directs the Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab at Texas A&M. His investigations into the energetics, growth and nutrition have contributed information on the capabilities of different marine mammal species to withstand normal seasonal variation and how the availability and quality of food impacts their survival. The Texas A&M lab is currently involved in studies investigating the thermoregulatory capabilities, lactation energetics, water balance, feeding ecology, and energetics of several important species of marine mammals using techniques such as calorimetry, proximate composition analysi of prey, doubly-labeled water energetics, carbon/nitrogen isotope analysis, and fatty acid signature analysis. Sources with similar qualifications and experience may request solicitation WASC-8-1597 within 15 days from the date of this publication. Request by fax to Randall Brown at fax 206-526-6025. This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $100,000. Posted 08/05/98 (W-SN233075). (0217)

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