What this opportunity is
The Department of Commerce is seeking a senior C++ programmer to modify and enhance the Comprehensive Passage (COMPASS) model, which predicts the effects of dam operations on juvenile salmon and steelhead survival. This presolicitation opportunity is suitable for small businesses with expertise in C++ programming and experience with NOAA-built modeling tools. Interested firms should note that this is a presolicitation notice, indicating they should track the opportunity closely for the eventual solicitation rather than submit bids at this stage.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
Statement of Work
Requisition 143041-26-0066
The NWFSC Fish Ecology (FE) Division requires the skills of a senior C++ Programmer
that has experience with custom NOAA-built modeling tools. Below we describe a model
written in C++ for maximum computing performance for which we need an experienced
programmer to modify the model as described below. Sub-tasks listed in priority order below are
considered separate billable deliverables. We will work closely with the programmer to ensure
regular significant progress and be flexible about the proportion of time spent across sub-tasks
each month.
Base Year, Task 1. The Comprehensive Passage (COMPASS) model produces predictions of
the effects of alternative dam and reservoir operations on juvenile salmon and steelhead
survival and passage through the Columbia River hydropower system. COMPASS is an
essential backbone for ongoing life cycle modeling and supports decisions about hydropower
operations and salmon and steelhead management. The following sub-tasks shall be completed
by the last date of the base year (2026-2027).
a) Complete development of the graphical user interface, which allows people to use the
model within a user-friendly framework. Much of this is already in place, but there are
multiple changes that need to be made to make it operational.
b) Complete development of the adult passage module that allows for upstream migration
and dam passage. This will include delay at dam tailraces, passage timing through adult
fishways, travel time and survival in reservoirs, fallback over dams, and losses due to
harvest.
c) Expand the model to include travel time and survival in tributaries. In particular, allow
models of early migration that include periods of stationarity and incremental movement
before the initiation of active migration during the juvenile life stage.
d) Continue to make modifications of the code to improve speed and efficiency and reduce
memory usage. Routine maintenance and minor modifications necessary to keep the model
working and improve model functionality.
e) Any future modifications necessary to allow the model to provide products requested from
the West Coast Region office needed for investigating potential management actions.
Option Year 1, Task 1. The following shall be completed by the last date of option year 1
(2027-2028).
a) Expand features in the COMPASS model. Example feature expansions can include: i)
anything that was not completed in year 1; ii) modification of the model to allow for the life
history of fall Chinook, which can hold over in reservoirs over winter; and iii) expanding the
model to the Columbia River estuary to allow movement and survival through that section of the
river while accounting for changes in water velocity due to tidal influence
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b) Continue to improve model efficiency and ease of use if time permits.
Option Year 2, Task 1. The following shall be completed by the last date of option year 2
(2028-2029).
a) Expand features in the COMPASS model based on tasks completed in previous year;
continue to improve model efficiency and ease of use if time permits.
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Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.