NOAA developing contract for coastal remediation efforts

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is developing a contract to support its efforts to manage coastal and marine habitats that are under threat, including continuing damage from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion.

NOAA's sources sought notice is a follow-up to earlier market research efforts that determined the work it needed could not be divided into smaller discrete pieces of work. The ultimate size and value of the contract has not been determined yet.

NOAA has released three statements of work that it wants industry to respond to with capability statements.

One statement of work is for the Office of Habitat Conservation. The second is for NOAA's Restoration Center.

Statement number three is for the office overseeing the Deepwater Horizon Damage Assessment Remediation and Restoration program.

Deepwater Horizon was the oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico that exploded in 2010 and caused devastation throughout that region. Work continues to remedy the damage.

NOAA is open to using a small businesses on the contract, but is also asking for large businesses to respond.

Some of the described in the notice include coastal and marine habitat management and planning, development of a national policy to improve fisheries protection, and development of restoration strategies.

The agency also is looking for engineering services to support fishery management and other conservation projects.

NOAA also wants more coordination and outreach with local communities along the coast.

One of the statements of work cites a need to develop databases and information systems for project information, and strategic planning and program analysis.

Responses to the sources sought notice are due Dec. 29.