Solicitation of Interest to Contract the Processing of
                 Fish Stomach Content Samples

This is a survey to identify contractors interested in receiving
a solicitation package for the following services.  This is not a
request for price quotes; the contracting office will issue a
solicitation at a later date.  This is only a request for
interested parties.  Please contact Maureen DeWitt
([log in to unmask]) for a solicitation package and/or
 a more detailed description of the work.  Contact Dr. Rodney
Rountree ([log in to unmask]) for technical details
regarding the sample processing.

Objective:
     Solicitation of interest to contract the processing of
scientific samples containing the stomach contents of selected
marine fish species from the Georges Bank region.:
     Stomach content samples were collected from a series of
research vessel cruises of the Georges Bank Predation Study
sponsored by NOAA's Coastal Ocean Program (COP) and the
National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Science
Center (NEFSC). Approximately 12,500 stomach samples of selected
fish and squid species were individually preserved in 10%
formalin-seawater solution. It is anticipated that funding will be
allocated in FY98 (beginning October 1997) to process these stomach
samples.   Processing must be completed within 12 months of the
Contract initiation.  The solicitation package allows for several options
regarding the level of processing required (i.e., the level of prey
taxonomic identification).

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PROVIDED ABOVE.

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________________________________
Rodney Rountree, Ph.D.
Acting Chief, Food Chain Dynamics Investigation
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
NOAA, NMFS
Wood Hole, MA 02543
Phone (508) 495-2340
Fax   (508) 495-2258
internet: [log in to unmask]