Single Source Determination (SAP) genetic analysis.docx--bkb ld_kb.pdf

Version 2.0 19Aug2020

SINGLE SOURCE DETERMINATION USING

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES (SAP)

FOR AN ACTION NOT EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

(AUTHORITY: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1))

Genetic analysis of two commonly misidentified fish species

NF-FN7110-21-02262

1. Agency and contracting activity. Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), NMFS, Office of Management and Budget for Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Panama City Laboratory

2. Description of supplies or services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value).

The focus of this requirement is to use genetics to identify and differentiate between scamp and yellowmouth grouper, if indeed they are genetically distinct species. These two species were combined into one assessment due to the misidentification of the two species so that species-specific landings could not be differentiated. The inability to characterize different life history parameters (e.g., mortality, longevity, growth, reproduction) that may exist between these two species could potentially affect the management for both of these species.

It is expected that results from the genetic component of this requirement will clearly elucidate that scamp and yellowmouth grouper are in fact two species, and will provide information about their respective ranges and frequency in the U.S. GOM, waters of the U.S. South Atlantic, and waters of the U.S. Caribbean. A panel of diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)s (100-200) will be identified as part of this purchase order and will be useful in future studies focused on identifying relative abundance of the two species using tissue from fisheries catches and fisheries independent surveys. The study will also generate a preliminary analysis of stock structure for one or both species and will include individuals sampled throughout U.S. waters.

The period of performance is September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2023. Sample collection and processing will begin September 1, 2021 and will continue through September 30, 2022. Data analysis and final report will be completed by August 31, 2023.

Total estimated value of the fim fixed price purchase order is: $83,178

3. Identification of the single source or the brand name to be solicited.

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi (DUNS# 09-510-0152) 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5844 Corpus Christi, Texas 78412 Dr. David Portnoy David.portnoy@tamucc.edu Phone: (361)-825-2850

4. Supporting rationale. Only one source or brand name is reasonably available as detailed below:

✔ Other - Only one source is capable

Background rationale for single source: Yellowmouth grouper, Mycteroperca interstitialis, and scamp, Mycteroperca phenax, are strikingly similar in their physical appearance such that misidentification often occurs in commercial and recreational fisheries, thus making it difficult to parse out species-specific landings and life history (SEDAR 68 Stock ID Panel 2020) for stock assessment. Yellowmouth grouper was assessed as a data-poor species in SEDAR 49 (2016), and at that time, the commercial workgroup expressed concerns that the species, which had low landings across all years of combined data, may have been misidentified as scamp throughout the time series.

Therefore, there were high levels of uncertainty around the landings data. As a result, research recommendations from the commercial workgroup included developing genetic markers for species identification and working with port samplers to determine the frequency at which yellowmouth grouper is misidentified or misreported (SEDAR 49 2016). The SEDAR 49 Assessment Workgroup Panel recommended excluding yellowmouth grouper from assessment due to misidentification concerns and suggested that yellowmouth grouper be considered during the SEDAR 68 scamp assessment (SEDAR 49 2016). Texas A&M University Corpus Christi has researchers with 15+ years of experience using genetic and genomic techniques to address questions related to conservation and management of bony fishes and elasmobranchs; extensive experience working with fishes and elasmobranchs from the GOM and U.S. South Atlantic Ocean waters; expertise focused on the use of genomic methods in species identification and stock structure analysis and known research methodology for meeting the requirements of the government. Given their vast knowledge and experience with genomics, particularly species identification, it is in the best interest of the government to procure the required services on a sole source basis.

Mission Impact Statement: The focus of this requirement is to use genetics to identify and differentiate between scamp and yellowmouth grouper, if indeed they are genetically distinct species.

These two species were combined into one assessment due to the misidentification of the two species so that species-specific landings could not be differentiated. The inability to characterize different life history parameters (e.g., mortality, longevity, growth, reproduction) that may exist between these two species could potentially affect the management for both of these species. If this purchase order should not be awarded to Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, the mission and objectives of this project for genetically differentiating between these two species will be jeopardized and will not fulfill the work and mission requirements.

5. Market Research.

Market research found that vendors that offered genetic or molecular analysis were applicable to health care, agricultural solutions, human genetic genealogy for finding unknown relatives, or forensic genealogy for law enforcement agencies, coroners, or medical examiners. Market research could not find vendors that meet the specific requirements for this acquisition. Specific requirements for this acquisition include but are not limited to the following: the vendor must have a Doctor of Philosophy degree and must have extensive (>10 years) experience in molecular population genetics of teleost or elasmobranch species. The vendor must have published a minimum of five peer-reviewed publications within the last 5 years that were related to the application of molecular markers in fishes or elasmobranchs. The vendor must have extensive experience in molecular population genetics of teleosts, including the development of molecular markers (microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA) and their applications to population (stock) structure, reproductive behavior, and assessment of demographic parameters. The contractor must have participated as a member of the Southeast Data Assessment and Review (SEDAR) genetics working group. Vendor must have knowledge of and research experience working on fishes or elasmobranchs from the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and Atlantic Ocean waters off the southeast U.S. since this expertise will provide the most benefit to the Government.

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.

Beverly Barnett Date Project Manager, Panama City Lab

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.

Contracting OfficerDate