Intent to Award a Sole Source Notice- University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) Curation Services

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District, intends to award a new contract to University of Colorado Boulder for the paleontological collection of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s John Martin Dam and Reservoir Dinosaur Tracks Collection, which includes specimens that are housed at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, on the Boulder campus. This will be accomplished on a sole source basis in accordance FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), Purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold and only one source reasonably available. 

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement is based upon the fact that University of Colorado meets the requirement as dictated by the following: In accordance with 36 CFR 327.14 and ER 1130-2-540, and with consideration of the Vertebrate Paleontological Resources Protection Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-11; 16 USC 470aaa) and the State of Colorado’s Historical, Prehistorical, and Archaeological Resources Act (Colo. Statutes CRS 24-80-401-411, 8CCR 1504-7; see History Colorado Publications No. 1308a and No. 1308b at https://www.historycolorado.org/statutes-regulations), as amended, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is dedicated to the responsible protection, conservation, and preservation of paleontological resources occurring on federal lands, to preserving our National Heritage, and providing rewarding recreational and educational experiences.  However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has determined that the specific locations of paleontological site locations at John Martin Reservoir shall be restricted from public disclosure. 

Materials recovered from Federal lands are property of the Federal Government. Specimens, photographs, maps, written documentation and other data that are under the jurisdiction or control of the Corps are property of the Federal Government and shall be maintained for the public benefit. Submitted materials shall be considered long-term loans from the Federal Government and, as such, shall be treated as part of the museum collections, subject to Museum policies and standards regarding research access and storage.

THIS IS NOT A FORMAL SOLICITATION.

This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency.  All submissions will be evaluated for the sole purpose of determining whether competitive opportunities exist. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government.  A determination by the Government not to compete the contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responses received within 15 days will be considered.  Late submissions will not be considered.  Detailed responses to this notice shall be submitted to the following email addresses no later than 5:00 PM (Mountain Daylight Time), August 21, 2025; Loretta.D.Sanchez@usace.army.mil. Telephone responses will not be accepted.

If no submissions are received, the government will proceed with a noncompetitive action.  An informational copy of the noncompetitive solicitation will be available IAW FAR 5.102(a) after August 21, 2025, but competitive quotations will not be considered. To obtain a copy of the of the noncompetitive solicitation please email Loretta.D.Sanchez@usace.army.mil.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District, will not reimburse for any costs connected with supplying sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the requirement listed. In order to be eligible for award of a Government contract, a firm must be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), have no active exclusions, and complete the FAR and DFARS representations and certifications.  Firms must register on a one-time basis, and annually confirm accuracy and completeness of registration information.