Single Source Justification 23-450 Signed CO.pdf

SINGLE SOURCE DETERMINATION USING

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES (SAP)

Version 2.0 19Aug2020

FOR AN ACTION NOT EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

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

NF-FN7300-23-02957

1. Agency and contracting activity. Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), Western Acquisitions Division and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC).

2. Description of supplies or services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value). The purpose of the proposed work is to utilized unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) to search for and detect manta rays in the coastal waters around the West Delta and Southeast Pass of the Mississippi River in Louisiana, and to deploy satellite tags on said mantas for habitat use, movement and connectivity studies. Due to the nature of these areas, flights will be performed from a small shallow draft vessel. The SEFSC requires a contractor capable of both operating UAS for the location and tracking of manta rays in coastal Louisiana, as well as the deployment of satellite tags on mantas once located. Tags will predominantly be deployed while freediving above the mantas, so experience freediving with mantas and deploying satellite tags while doing so is essential.

3. Identification of the single source or the brand name to be solicited. Elusive Endeavors, Bryant Turffs, bturffs@gmail.com, 941-993-0410

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

□ Other - Only one source is capable - The owners/operators of Elusive Endeavors have been using UAS to locate mantas in the coastal waters of eastern Florida for nearly a decade utilizing a wide array of research techniques, including in-water photography, drones, aerial surveys, and satellite and acoustic telemetry, to study the biology and ecology of Florida manta rays. Based on our market research and similar work with this company in the past, non-contracual, there are no other companies that provide these services, and have the required experience using both UAS to locate the mantas, while simulataneously using freediving techniques to apply satellite tags. An Internet search for drone work on Manta Rays in Florida only came up with one other source, Marine Megafuana Foundation. We contacted the foundation a and learned they use Elusive Endeavors for all their work as they have been unable to locate any other vendors with the knowledge and abilities to support the Manta Ray drone work including in-water photography, drones, aerial surveys, and satellite and acoustic telemetry as well, and Marine Megafuana Foundation is not registered in SAM for contracts.

5. Market Research.

Using a search of the internet and SAM to locate additional contractors that fit the conditions described in the background section, no suitable alternatives to the potential source named above could be identified.

NF-FN7300-23-02957

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.

JONES.CHRISTIAN.M.1388143912

Digitally signed by JONES.CHRISTIAN.M.1388143912 Date: 2023.07.13 13:32:53 -05'00'

Christian Jones Date Research Fisheries Biologist, SEFSC

DESFOSSE.LISA.LYNN.1365834 Digitally signed by

DESFOSSE.LISA.LYNN.1365834519

519 Date: 2023.07.13 13:59:23 -05'00'

Lisa Desfosse SEFSC Deputy Director Date

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.

Suzanne Johnston Contracting Officer

Date