Portnoy Texas AM_noaa_single_source_determination (2)_Redacted.pdf
PDF 555 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Notice of Intent to negotiate sole source contract with Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
- Solicitation number
- FD-2026-358
About this file
This is a Single Source Determination justification document for a federal contract action using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.
The contracting activity is the Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO) and NMFS/SEFSC, Panama City Fisheries Lab. The requirement (Requirements-26-2938) is for the development of a high-quality reference genome for sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus). The contractor will analyze previously collected tissue samples to develop a comprehensive genome sequence, which does not currently exist for this species. This work supports NOAA Fisheries' priority to advance the use of genomic data in population assessment through close-kin mark recapture and age structure analysis using epigenetics. The base year estimate includes high coverage (>60x) whole genome sequencing laboratory costs and moderate coverage (20x) shotgun whole genome resequencing costs (specific dollar amounts are redacted in the document).
The single source identified is Dr. David S. Portnoy, Ruth A. Campbell Professor of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. The justification for sole source selection is that Dr. Portnoy is the only available source capable of performing this work. He possesses over 20 years of experience in genetic and genomic techniques for fish and shark conservation, has assembled draft genomes for nine fish species, and critically, has exclusive access to sandbar shark tissue samples collected over the last 20 years and maintains a network of scientists for contemporary sample augmentation. No other geneticists possess equivalent familiarity with the species or understand the necessary genetic analysis. The Technical/Requirements Representative (John Carlson) certified the requirement on 6-May-2026, and the Contracting Officer (Amy A. Gilliland) signed the determination on 6/10/2026.
View the file
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
NF-FN7110-21-02011
Source Selection Information – see FAR 2.101 and 3.104 contractor is the only one that has access to samples of this species collected over the last 20 years and possesses a network of scientists with the ability to augment the historic data series with contemporary samples. There are no other geneticists that are as familiar with the species and understand the necessary genetic analysis that needs to be conducted. Thus, the contractor has considerable experience in this area. Utilizing this contractor will take advantage of previously obtained knowledge and the fact that this contractor already possessed a database of archived tissue samples of which to obtain genomic information. Utilization of another contractor would be disadvantageous, as they will be starting without any previous knowledge of the sampling network and without access to historical samples. The contractor can therefore begin work immediately. Utilizing this contractor substantially reduces the risk of not receiving quality deliverables/data.
5. Market Research.
The current costs for NOAA Fisheries Service to conduct similar genetic analyses were utilized as market research.
6. Technical/Requirements Representative Certification
I certify that this requirement constitutes the Government’s minimum needs and the supporting data provided herein is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
6-May-2026 John Carlson, Research Fishery Biologist Date
NMFS/SEFSC/BL
_____________________________________ _12-May-2026___ John Walter, Deputy Director of Science Date & Council Services, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC
7. Determination
I hereby determine that the circumstances of this action deem only one source is reasonably available. This determination is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
______________________________________ __6/10/2026____ Contracting Officer Date
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .