Federal Register #2026-06453

Incidental Harassment Authorization for Homer Harbor System Four Float Replacement Project

This opportunity concerns the proposed issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for the Homer Harbor System Four Float Replacement Project in Homer, Alaska. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - Office of Protected Resources - Applicant: City of Homer, Alaska - Products/Services Requested: - Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for marine mammals - Covers incidental take (Level B harassment for six marine mammal species, Level A for harbor seals) during pile driving and removal activities - Includes mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements - Requires use of NMFS-approved Protected Species Observers (PSOs) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Establishment of shutdown zones to protect marine mammals - Soft-start procedures for pile driving - Comprehensive monitoring and reporting by PSOs - No procurement of goods or construction services; focus is on environmental authorization - Place of Performance: - Homer Small Boat Harbor, Kachemak Bay, Homer, Alaska (federal facility) - Period of Performance: - Authorization valid for one year, covering up to 75 non-consecutive days of construction activities, with a possible one-time, 1-year renewal - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are mentioned in the notice.

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received a request from the City of Homer for authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during the Homer Harbor System Four Float Replacement Project in Homer, Alaska. This authorization is sought under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and involves issuing an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) for marine mammals potentially affected by the project activities. NMFS is requesting public comments on the proposed IHA and a possible one-time, 1-year renewal under certain conditions. The project includes pile driving and other construction activities with mitigation and monitoring measures to minimize impacts on marine mammals and their habitat.

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