17-03768_Beluga_Samples_Inventory_Sole_Source_Posting.pdf

NFFS7300-17-03768RDS

***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 North Gulf Oceanic Society of Homer, Alaska for assisting the National Marine Fisheries Service in conducting an inventory of Cook Inlet Beluga samples and sub-sample remote tissue biopsies collected during NOAA Marine Mammal Lab’s September 2017 Cook Inlet biopsy survey, and analysis of the resulting genetic data.

***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Northwest Regional National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requirement for conducting an inventory of Cook Inlet Beluga samples and sub-sample remote tissue biopsies collected during NOAA Marine Mammal Lab’s September 2017 Cook Inlet biopsy survey, and analysis of the resulting genetic data. North Gulf Oceanic Society is the only qualified contractor for this contract. It is the only entity that has the knowledge and familiarity with Beluga biology and genetics, movements of Cook Inlet Beluga whales derived from photo-identification and satellite tagging data, sample archives and previous sampling strategies for Cook Inlet Beluga whales, and techniques to characterize the genetic diversity within and among geographic study regions. Additionally, they are experts in data analysis techniques within population measures of genetic differentiation, spatial genetic approaches, and individual assignment tests to identify social and/or geographic zones of population differentiation. The period of performance is from September 1, 2017 through March 31, 2019.

***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.