Early Warning System for Mass Coral Bleaching

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisitions Division intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with the Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc. for an Early Warning System for Mass Coral Bleaching for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in Key West, FL. These services are for a base year and four (4) 1-year option periods.

Sole Source Justification
NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) awards funds to different NOAA offices through a competitive process for coral reef research and education. The funds are transferred via CRCP to the respective NOAA office and it is the responsibility of the line office to obligate the funds. The projects that are awarded funding often are through partnerships with non-Federal agencies and organizations. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) applied for and was awarded funding by CRCP for the implementation of the "Early Warning System for Mass Coral Bleaching" project to take place in the FKNMS.

The partner on the proposal is Mote Marine Laboratory. Since 2005, the FKNMS has partnered with Mote Marine Laboratory to develop and implement a community based monitoring network, aka as "Bleach Watch", of trained observers to provide reports of coral condition at reefs throughout the Florida Keys. Mote has established an online reporting system and the capability to analyze the incoming data. The system has the ability to monitor environmental conditions (both climatic and sea temperatures), coordinate volunteers to provide early warning of coral bleaching based on field observations, and coordinate involvement with relevant experts.

The government does not know of any other vendor that can provide the reporting system, outreach, and expertise provided by Mote. Due to the current extensive coral disease outbreak, understanding the impacts of additional stressors like bleaching is critical for marine resource managers. Early detection is critical in the intervention of mass bleaching events.

Sources Sought
This sources sought notice is not a request for competitive offers and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide these services may submit substantiating documentation in writing within ten (10) days of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to elliott.waxman@noaa.gov. 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 response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

DOC, Eastern Region Acquisitions Division requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: www.sam.gov. To register, all contractors must have a Dun and Bradstreet number. A Dun and Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun and Bradstreet on-line at http://www.dnb.com/eupdate or by telephone at (800)333-0505.

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