Federal Register #2026-18024

Renewal of Incidental Harassment Authorization for Yaquina Bay Dolphin Replacement Project Construction

This opportunity involves the renewal of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for marine mammal protection during construction at Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Project Scope: - Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) requests renewal to complete the Yaquina Bay Dolphin Replacement Project - Construction activities include: - Removal of 33 old 16-inch steel piles (battered) from 11 dolphins - Installation of 36 new 16-inch steel piles (battered) for 12 new dolphins - Methods: vibratory pile driving and auger drilling - Products/Services Requested: - 36 new 16-inch steel piles for installation - 33 old 16-inch steel piles for removal - Demolition and construction services for dolphin replacement - Unique Requirements: - Strict mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures to minimize impacts on marine mammals (e.g., California sea lions, harbor seals) - Activities must comply with environmental protection standards - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named for steel piles or equipment - Period of Performance: - One-year authorization covering construction activities after the initial IHA expires - Renewal period: one year duration - Estimated Contract Value: - Not specified; likely mid six-figure to low seven-figure range based on scope - Competing Products/Services: - Alternative steel pile manufacturers and marine construction service providers could compete

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) received a request from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to renew their incidental harassment authorization (IHA) for taking marine mammals incidental to construction activities for the Yaquina Bay Dolphin Replacement Project in Newport, Oregon. The project involves demolition and construction activities including vibratory pile driving and auger drilling to install 36 new steel piles for 12 new dolphins. The renewal is necessary because ODOT's activities will not be completed prior to the expiration of the current IHA. NMFS is providing an additional 15-day comment period for the proposed renewal, which includes the same mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures as the initial authorization. The renewal IHA would be effective for one year from the expiration of the initial IHA, covering construction activities from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027.

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