FWS Form (Rev. 2020) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS

Acquisitions Operations

Although the market was reviewed for statistical contractors capable of assuming this project, no vendors besides Real Time Research possessed the unique familiarity with the baseline ecological framework, the previously developed statistical model, or the proprietary computer code necessary to continue the analysis without substantial rework. No other capable sources were identified as being able to perform the required continuation effort within the project’s timeframe.

No market research was conducted for this requirement. This acquisition is a direct continuation of work previously performed by Real Time Research (RTR), which developed the foundational statistical model, code base, and project specific analytical framework used by USFWS. Because the required analyses must build upon and extend these existing tools—none of which are publicly available or readily transferable—no other vendors could assume performance without substantial duplication of effort, re creation of baseline work, and extensive onboarding to the complex ecological and statistical background already established. These circumstances make market research impractical and strongly support limiting this procurement to the incumbent contractor.

The selected contractor will provide statistical and analytical support to USFWS personnel to guide the design and development, execution, automation, analyses, and interpretation of multiple complex research and monitoring projects. This work will build upon quantitative analysis framework developed in the Bridge Group Study Plan to design a sampling framework to estimate, compare, and evaluate the adult contribution rates of several experimental strategies of liberating juvenile Chinook salmon from the Coleman National Fish Hatchery.

The primary barrier to competition is the contractor’s prior development of the specialized statistical model and custom code base used for current analyses. For future acquisitions, USFWS will evaluate opportunities to standardize code documentation, maintain shared repositories, and ensure models are transferable. These steps will help broaden future competition by reducing reliance on a single contractor’s proprietary knowledge.

Program / Project Officer

Contracting Officer

The cost for this action will be determined fair and reasonble at time of award.

KEVIN NIEMELA Digitally signed by KEVIN NIEMELA Date: 2026.08.31 06:36:00 -07'00'

LAWRENCE ARAGON Digitally signed by LAWRENCE ARAGON Date: 2026.08.31 08:32:16 -06'00'

The contractor is uniquely qualified due to their specialized expertise in advanced statistical modeling, fisheries research, and development of complex analytical code. They previously created the model and analytical framework used for this project and have demonstrated consistent scientific excellence and accurate delivery of similar work under prior USFWS awards. Their established technical capability, familiarity with USFWS data and methods, and proven performance make them the only vendor capable of continuing this work without delays or