Steller Sea Lion Research and Protected Species Management Coordination in the Russian Far East

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

Synopsis of Proposed Contract Action - Solicitation:  1305M320RNFFS0014

A determination not to compete this proposed contract was made pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.501(a). Due to the unique and highly specialized nature of the services only one source is capable of providing the services required at the level of quality required for the entire scope of work.

The NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) Marine Mammal Laboratory currently supports field research at select sites in Russia involving the coordination and collection of field data by collaborating Russian scientists. This requirement involves two elements of protected species management in Russia. The first is to interpret, translate, analyze, and present results originating from the field data collected at select Steller sea lion rookeries in Russia, including travel to present at professional meetings. The second element is for an established Russian-speaking marine mammal scientist to serve as a liaison to the Marine Mammal Laboratory and AFSC with Russian scientists. This element provides a unique and necessary duty to NMFS for the purpose of supporting the U.S./Russia Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources and coordinating and facilitating international meetings such as the U.S. - Russia Marine Mammal Working Group.

This procurement is being conducted under contracting by under FAR 13.501(a). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for these item is 541990.

This notice of intent is not a formal solicitation or request for competitive proposals. No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be accepted. No award will be made on the basis of quotations or offers received in response to this notice.

Interested parties may submit their interest and capabilities no later than Tuesday August 25, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. E-mail statements will be accepted but senders are responsible for ensuring the complete transmission and timely receipt. All inquiries shall be sent via e-mail to: eila.harnett@noaa.gov. The government intends to negotiate a firm-fixed price contract with a one year base period and two option periods for Steller Sea Lion Research and Protected Species Management Coordination in the Russian Far East services for the AFSC Marine Mammal Laboratory to North Pacific Wildlife Consulting, LLC.

The intent of this synopsis is for informational purposes only. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement for future requirements. A determination by the government not to compete this action is based on this notice and solely within the discretion of the government.