The Eastern Region Acquisition Division (ERAD) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Norfolk, VA is soliciting quotes, on behalf of the Ecosystem Survey Branch and the Cooperative Research Program of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), for the charter of one monkfish (Lophius americanus) fishing vessel. The vessel shall be involved in conducting sampling of the monkfish population in U.S. waters in the southern Georges Bank, Southern New England and Mid-Atlantic region. The proposed contract is 100% small business set aside. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the acquisition is 483112. The small business size standard is 500 employees. The purpose of the sampling will be (1) to estimate distribution and abundance of goosefish in this region in depths ranging from 15 to 250 fathoms (27 to 450 meters), (2) to conduct experimental work to estimate net efficiency for each net used in the survey, for a range of depths and habitat types, and (3) to conduct experimental work (paired towing) to evaluate the efficiency of NEFSC standardized bottom trawls. The work will require approximately 40 and 50 sea days during the period between February 9, 2009 and April 30, 2009. The survey is expected to be conducted in legs (trips) which will generally be 10 days in length. The solicitation and proposed fixed price contract will be issued utilizing the test procedures identified in FAR Subpart 13.5, Test Program For Certain Commercial Items and will be evaluated on a best value basis wherein the following factors 1 - 5, listed in descending order of importance, when combined, are significantly more important than price: (1) Vessel characteristics and configuration (2) Vessel's commercial fishing history and fishing capability (3) Master's and crew's work experience and qualifications (4) Pertinent vessel documentation including stability letter, marine insurance coverage, and structural survey or insurance inspection (5) Signed waiver to release collected data and (6) Price. All responsible sources may submit a quote that shall be considered by the agency. To be eligible for award, vendors must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR): www.ccr.gov and obtain a DUNS number by calling 1-800-333-0505. Prospective contractors are also required to complete electronic annual representations and certifications at http://orca.bpn.gov in conjunction with the required CCR registration. A copy of the solicitation will be attached to this announcement as a downloadable Word file on or about August 19, 2008. Quotes will be due on or about September 12, 2008. A hard copy of the solicitation will be provided in response to a written or faxed request received directly from the requestor. Telephone requests for hard copies will not be honored. Requests for hard copies of the solicitation may be faxed to (757) 664-3656. Quotes will be accepted electronically at the following email address: Teresa.L.Watson @noaa.gov and via facsimile at (757) 664-3656.