19-03120_Otolith_Sole_Source_Posting.pdf

NFFS7200-19-03120RDS

***NOAA’s Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with the University of Washington Trace Element Laboratory for Environmental Science of Seattle, WA for assisting the National Marine Fisheries Service with Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) of fish otoliths to quantify magnesium, barium, strontium, zinc, manganese, and other trace elements relative to calcium (a natural internal standard). Trace elements will be measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.

***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requirement for analyzing trace elements of marine carbonates.

There are a limited number of labs with experience in trace element analysis of marine carbonates, and even fewer that specialize in marine fish otoliths. The single source’s lab equipment consists of a state-of-the-art Analyte G2 Excimer Laser (193 nm) paired with a Thermal Element 2 High Resolution Magnetic Sector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer for high-precision measurements. No other lab in the country has this capability. Furthermore, NOAA NMFS has engaged in a pilot study with the University of Washington in the past and would like to maintain the consistency of that research. The results of the prior research would be affected if NOAA was to use a different method of analysis for this research. The period of performance is from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020. There are four option years contemplated as well, which would run through September 30, 2024, if exercised. Each individual option year may or may not be exercised by the government. This decision would be made at the sole discretion of the Government.

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available.

However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government’s requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.