Seabird Necropsies

NF-FS7200-22-02956RDS

***NOAA’s Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge of Santa Cruz, California for assisting the National Marine Fisheries Service in implementing a complete scientific necropsy program for seabirds provided by NOAA Fisheries offices throughout the North Pacific Ocean.

***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requirement for implementing a complete scientific necropsy program for seabirds provided by NOAA Fisheries offices throughout the North Pacific Ocean.  Each seabird will be examined, the species identification verified, and morphometrics taken.  A full necropsy will follow and data gathered on age, sex, breeding condition, molt, body condition and other factors.  Only one source is capable. Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, co-located with the Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center in Santa Cruz, CA, is the only organization we have found to be capable have handling seabird carcasses from throughout the North Pacific, to have the facilities and staffing to process these birds, and to deliver the end-products needed from this very specific set of requirements.  There is only one source for seabird carcasses – the NOAA observer programs in the North Pacific, so there is not enough work to interest organizations or businesses in creating the capabilities to conduct the work. Only a non-profit such as Oikonos, which has a long- standing agreement that allows access to appropriate necropsy facilities, and has other projects, is able to address our needs. Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge is a highly specialized non-profit organization that is the sole entity that can address our specialized needs.  The period of performance is from the date of award through September 30, 2023, plus three potential option years ending September 30, 2026.

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available.  However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government’s requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such 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 responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.