This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for services in which the government intends to acquire in accordance with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions Procedures. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Auke Bay Laboratories has requirement for an aquarium curator and associated services.
Background: The Ted Stevens Marine Institute (TSMRI) houses a seawater aquaria system that is used for outreach and education and is open for public viewing. The TSMRI facility aquaria system consists of 5 individual tanks ranging in size from 100 to approximately 2500 gallons and include a touch tank. These tanks are connected to the TSMRI sea water influent and effluent systems. The combination and configuration of these tanks were selected to display a collection of species and habitats found in Alaskan waters for the general public.
The objective of this solicitation is to obtain the services of a professional aquarium curator to perform all duties as necessary for the care, and maintenance of the public display aquaria as well as the care, collection and feeding of the specimens used in the display.
SPECIFIC TASKS – This position is directly responsible for all facets of the operation and maintenance of the TSMRI aquarium system, and will work under the direction of the TSMRI Facility Manager. Billing is to be based on service hours necessary to complete duties to keep the aquariums functioning and pleasing to the public. The anticipated number of hours per week average between 10- 20 hours. Duties include (but are not limited to):
- Collection and transport of indigenous marine invertebrate and fish specimens.
- Assisting by keeping records to help maintain a collecting permit from the State of Alaska. This will require an annual inventory of specimens in the tanks by species and number and records of specimens collected during the year for the aquaria display which will all be due to the deputy director of the lab by November 10th of each year. This must be submitted in a digital format which will be provided by the deputy.
- Responsible for working with the deputy director prior to collection to ensure proper permitting is in place for transport permits if moving animals for use in the aquarium. And keeping all necessary records to report on those permits.
- Assist in the development of exhibits – to include the knowledge of habitat and species necessary for accurate display representation and the compatibility of specimens sharing the tank.
- Responsible for feeding the specimens twice weekly – or as needed based on the specimens biology. The position will be responsible for obtaining the fish food and apportioning the sizes appropriately for each tank and its inhabitants.
- Responsible for care and routine maintenance of exhibits and aquarium systems. Including the removal of dead animals, monitoring water quality, monitoring the health of the remaining animals, and the regular cleaning and removal of algae from the viewing windows. Also responsible for preventive and corrective maintenance for the aquarium and associated sea water equipment.
- Three times a year or as needed the tanks will need to be partially drained to facilitate a thorough scrubbing and removal of organic sediment from the substrate and cleaning of the tank walls.
- Working closely with TSMRI staff in the development of marine education outreach related to the Aquariums
- Communicating exhibit requirements and supplies to TSMRI staff in a timely manner to ensure the needs of the specimens are met and tanks themselves are maintained.
- Responsible for feeding and care of animals in the wetlab that are used to stock and replenish the Aquariums.
This position will also be required to understand, operate, and maintain the complex TSMRI sea water system at the component-level. Previous experience will be the primary rating criteria in the selection of the successful candidate
Government Provided:
NOAA will provide – all tools, equipment, and parts for proper aquarium function.
Vendor Provided:
Vendor to provide up to 1040 hours of on call labor. Vendor is responsible for purchase of all fish food and supplies necessary for dietary support and care of specimens. Vendor must be able to work weekends and evenings. Vendor will need to pass security review to obtain building access
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS –
- Understanding on how to operate the complex TSMRI sea water system at the component-level, or similar.
- Experience in all areas of the specific tasks listed above. This will be the primary rating criteria in the selection of the successful Contractor.
- Experience in obtaining and maintaining a state permit for collection and transportation of indigenous marine species.
- Ability to pass security check to obtain access to the lab.
- B.S. in Fisheries is preferred.
- Experience with communicating knowledge about Aquarium fish to the public.
Period of Performance:
Base: 9/16/2022 – 9/15/2023, Approximately 1040 hours
Option 1: 9/16/2023 – 9/15/2024, Approximately 1040 hours
Option 2: 9/16/2024 – 9/15/2025, Approximately 1040 hours
Emailed Correspondence or Response to Solicitation should reference solicitation # ABL-22051, in the Subject line to ensure it is received successfully. Evaluation and resulting award anticipated to within 48 hours of due date.
This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $150,000.00. The following provisions and clauses shall apply to this solicitation and resultant award. The provisions and clauses may be downloaded at http://www.acqnet.gov/far
*** All contractors doing business with this Acquisition Office must be registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM). No Award can be made unless Cotnractor/Vendor is registered and active in SAM. For additional information visit www.sam.gov. In order to register with SAM and to be eligible to receive an award from this acquisition office, all offerors must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at www.dnb.com/eupdate or by phone at (800) 333-0505.
