The National Marine Fisheries Service seeks proposals from contractors to study the vulnerability of Alaska hydropower production to climate variability and change. Responses are due Sept. 17.
In a set-aside for small business, NMFS, a unit of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, seeks a contractor to review existing literature and to conduct preliminary analysis of historical climate and hydrologic variability in Alaska. Alaska is home to more than 365,000 miles of rivers and 33,000 miles of coastline, making it an epicenter for hydropower development in the U.S.
The preliminary analysis is to help NMFS develop protection, mitigation, and enhancement measures to protect anadromous salmon, marine mammals, and their habitats. Measures are to consider the effects of climate change alone and with hydroelectric project-induced changes.
NMFS said the contractor is to use as a case study the proposed 600-MW Susitna-Watana hydroelectric project being developed by the Alaska Energy Authority. In pursuit of a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license for the project (No. 14241), AEA filed a proposed study plan in July to assess potential effects of its proposed project on Alaska’s upper Susitna River.
A solicitation notice may be obtained from the Federal Business Opportunities Internet site, www.fbo.gov, by entering Solicitation No. RFQ_NMFS_AKR_12_0831 in the “Keyword/Solicitation #” box.
Responses are due by 4:30 p.m., Alaska time, Sept. 17. For information, contact Gilbert Mendoza, U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, NMFS Alaska Region, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802; (1) 907-586-7579; E-mail: [email protected].
