Federal Register #2026-09776

NOAA Marine Mammal Authorizations and DoD Medical Vehicle Kit Procurement

This summary covers recent regulatory and procurement actions by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Defense: - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Department of Defense (DoD) (for medical kit procurement) - OEMs and Vendors: - The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. (supplier of medical vehicle kit) - Products/Services Requested: - Medical Vehicle Kit (NSN 6545-01-689-9365) - Supplied by The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. - Added to the Procurement List for DoD use - Regulatory Actions (Not Procurement): - Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) issued to The Aleut Corporation for the Port of Adak Pier 5 Improvements Project (Adak Island, Alaska) and to Homer for the Homer Harbor System Four Float Replacement Project (Homer, Alaska) - IHAs allow for incidental take of marine mammals (including ESA-listed species such as the Mexico DPS of humpback whale and Western DPS of Steller sea lion) during construction activities - Includes mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements to minimize environmental impact - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Medical vehicle kit must meet DoD standards and is supplied by a designated nonprofit agency - IHAs require strict compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) - Places of Performance/Delivery: - Adak Island, Alaska (Port of Adak Pier 5 Improvements Project) - Homer, Alaska (Homer Harbor System Four Float Replacement Project)

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to The Aleut Corporation (TAC) for the take of marine mammals incidental to the Port of Adak Pier 5 Improvements Project at Adak Island, Alaska. This authorization is granted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and is effective for one year from the date of notification by the IHA-holder, not to exceed one year from the date of issuance (May 12, 2026). The authorization includes mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures to minimize impact on marine mammals, including species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

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