Notice of Intent to Sole Source Otolith Analysis

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service intends to award a firm fixed price commercial services contract on a sole source basis to Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Department of, for highly specialized otolith and scale analysis services supporting ESA-listed spring Chinook Salmon life history studies in the Entiat River and Columbia River basin by August 10, 2026. The contract falls under the simplified acquisition threshold and pursues sole source award under FAR 6.302-1, citing only one responsible source; however, all responsible sources that believe they can meet the requirement may submit a capability statement by August 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM Pacific Time to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

The contractor will prepare, process, and analyze up to 400 adult Entiat summer Chinook otoliths using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and conduct paired scale and otolith analysis for up to 200 individuals to evaluate juvenile residency, migration timing, growth, rearing location, hatchery versus natural origin, and accuracy of scale classification. The period of performance is one year, with deliverables in Microsoft Excel format and a presentation to the working group. Capability statements should demonstrate relevant otolith microchemistry experience, available instrumentation, and evidence of prior similar work. Submit statements to Contracting Officer Oscar Orozco at oscar_orozco@ios.doi.gov.