SINGLE SOURCE AK WHALE FOUNDATION_Redacted.pdf

This is a Single Source or Brand Name Determination document using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for actions not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, issued under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).

The contracting activity is the Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), Fisheries OMB Field Delegates and the Alaska Region. The requirement is for professional services to support long-term whale monitoring in Southeast Alaska, consisting of two projects: 1) Gray whale monitoring in the Sitka Sound Project and 2) Large whale hot spots monitoring in Southeast Alaska. The single source identified for this requirement is the Alaska Whale Foundation. The determination states that only one source is reasonably available and capable of performing the work, which involves generating integrated surveys, photo-identification, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) photogrammetry, and biologging tag data to estimate gray whale abundance and herring egg availability; and identifying spatially and temporally important humpback whale foraging hotspots. The rationale emphasizes that no other vendor in Southeast Alaska has the requisite staff and vessels to accomplish the tasks cost-effectively. The Alaska Whale Foundation currently performs this work, has maintained it for multiple years, possesses vessels and staff in-house, and holds a NOAA Fisheries research permit authorizing gray whale and humpback whale research activities including UAS operations, suction-cup tagging, photo-identification, and biologging tag deployment. Market research is noted as not applicable since no other entity possesses the ability to provide the desired service.