Attachment_1_Notice_of_Intent_to_Sole_Source_Otolith_Analysis_WDFW_1.docx

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, intends to award a firm fixed price commercial services contract on a sole source basis to Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Department of, UEI QMYKF4YEEGX8, for highly specialized otolith and scale analysis services in support of ESA listed spring Chinook Salmon life history studies in the Entiat River and other tributaries to the Columbia River. This notice is not a request for quotations or proposals.

The proposed contract action is for commercial services under the simplified acquisition threshold for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source, as implemented under FAR Part 12.

The contractor shall prepare, process, and analyze up to 400 adult Entiat summer Chinook otoliths using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Multi Collector Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry to evaluate natal residence, growth, migration timing and size, non natal residency and growth, ocean and estuary entry size, and hatchery versus natural origin. The contractor shall also prepare, process, and analyze paired scale samples and otoliths to determine the feasibility of distinguishing Columbia River rearing from Entiat rearing juveniles, including imaging and aging up to 200 individuals with paired otolith microchemistry results, imaging and aging known life histories from coded wire tag or PIT tagged individuals, measuring ocean entry checks and reservoir annuli if applicable, and testing the accuracy of scale classification. The period of performance is one year. Deliverables include electronic data in Microsoft Excel format and a presentation to the working group on findings and next steps.

Market research conducted by the Government, including prior and ongoing inquiries, attendance at technical and scientific events, internet research, and coordination with other offices and research partners, has not identified any other responsible source capable of providing the required otolith microchemistry and paired scale analysis with the necessary instrumentation, experience, and continuity needed to protect multi year data integrity and support the Government's required analysis. Based on this research, the Government believes Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Department of, is the only responsible source reasonably available to satisfy the agency's requirement.

All responsible sources that believe they can meet the requirement may submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to provide the full scope of services described in this notice. Capability statements must include the organization name and address, point of contact information, UEI and CAGE code if applicable, a description of relevant experience with otolith microchemistry and laser ablation analysis, available instrumentation and facilities, and evidence of prior work of similar scope and complexity. Responses must be submitted electronically to Contracting Officer Oscar Orozco at oscar_orozco@ios.doi.gov no later than August 10, 2026, at 8:00 AM Pacific Time.

Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses that do not clearly demonstrate the ability to satisfy the Government's full requirement may not be considered further.