Opportunity
Federal Register #RTID 0648-XF155
Proposed Marine Mammal Incidental Harassment Authorization for Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild
Buyer
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Posted
April 22, 2026
Respond By
May 22, 2026
Identifier
RTID 0648-XF155
NAICS
541620
This notice details a proposed federal authorization related to marine mammal protection during a major infrastructure project: - Government Buyer: - Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), under the Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - Project Overview: - Rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD, following its destruction - NMFS proposes to issue two consecutive Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) to FHWA - Services Requested: - Authorization for the incidental take (Level B harassment only) of Tamanends bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) during construction activities - No products, equipment, or part numbers are being procured - Unique Requirements: - Take is limited to Level B harassment (behavioral disturbance), with no expected serious injury or mortality - Authorizations may be renewed for one year under certain conditions - Public comments are solicited on the proposed action - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or commercial vendors are mentioned; this is a regulatory authorization, not a procurement of goods or services - Place of Performance: - Construction and marine mammal monitoring activities will occur in Baltimore, MD, specifically at the Francis Scott Key Bridge site
Description
This notice announces the availability of 21 final 2024 marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) that were updated and finalized as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The reports contain information on the distribution and abundance of marine mammal stocks in U.S. waters, with attention to important habitats such as rookeries and mating grounds. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) considered public comments for revisions of these reports. The reports are available electronically and provide data for management and conservation of marine mammals.