Produce & publish NOAA fisheries navigator 4-page insert

NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisition Division, Simplified Acquisition Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Compass Publications, Inc., 1600 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209-2510 using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to produce and publish the 4-page insert, NOAA Fisheries Navigator, for inclusion in the publication “Commercial Fisheries News”,  plus 1,000 copies for local distribution by NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, Gloucester, MA, on a bi-monthly basis.  The period of performance is September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017 plus four (4) one-year option periods. 

Compass Publications, Inc. is the sole provider for the Commercial Fishing News (CFN).  CFN is the only region-wide, multi-state, and multi-species commercial fishing newspaper in the Northeast.  It is a monthly publication that provides the fishing industry with the latest waterfront news, including information on the latest State and Federal fishing rules and regulations.  CFN has a broad readership of 6,500 individuals in the Greater Atlantic region (Maine to North Carolina), which is the target audience (commercial fishing industry) NMFS is trying to reach in order to meet their education and outreach objectives.  

The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is FAR 13.106-1(b), only one responsible source. 

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 511120 with a business size standard of 1,000 employees. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. However, if any other interested party believes that it can meet the requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities, which if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. A statement of capabilities must be received by 3:00 PM, June 15, 2016. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. Evidence must be provided of ability to provide the required services. The capability statement and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to lynne.phipps@noaa.gov by 3:00 PM, June 15, 2016.