The purpose of this solicitation is twofold. First, the Navy would like to apply enhanced passive acoustic monitoring capabilities to detect and characterize vocalizations of marine mammals that may occur in the Piscataqua River surrounding Seavey Island. High frequency cetaceans and pinnipeds will be specifically targeted to determine species presence/absence and identify any patterns of occurrence as well as to provide an estimate of frequency, abundance, and density. Those species that may be more cryptic, such as harbor porpoise [Phocoena phocoena], are of particular interest. Secondly, the Navy would like to gain a better understanding of pinniped usage, abundance, and frequency of the nearby haul-out area known as Hick’s Rocks. Hick’s Rocks is a rocky feature consisting of a series of rock outcroppings interspersed with sandy areas and is located approximately 1,300 feet east of PNS and approximately 230 feet offshore of Kittery Point, Maine. Depending on tidal state the feature has an area up to approximately 17,000 square yards (SY).
Funding Source: Department of the Navy
Funding Amount: $269,000 (base year); $959,000 total (all 5 years)
Deadline: May 6, 2025
For more information see the Request for Statements of Interest, Statement of Work, and Budget Template