West Coast Region Observer Program

Intent to Sole Source

Solicitation No. 1305M319RNFFP0017 NOAA, NMFS, NWFSC, West Coast Region Observer Program (WCROP) – Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

A determination not to compete this proposed contract was made pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-5(a)(2)(i), authorized or required by statute. Section 402(d), 109-479(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), codified at 16 U.S.C. § 1881a(d), provides NOAA authorization to enter into sole source contracts under limited circumstances.

The West Coast Regional Observer Program (WCROP) collects information on fishing operations, protected species interactions, catch and discard information and biological sampling by the deployment of observers. The observers collect fishery-dependent data year-round and coast wide targeting groundfish off the west coast of the United States. These data are used to meet the Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology (SBRM) as specified in the groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) as well as supporting management of protected species. The WCROP also provides in-season discard estimates to support quota management in the Catch Shares fishery. The biological samples and data collected by observers from discarded catch are only readily available via at sea observers. The requirements of this service ensure this program meets Magnuson-Stevens Act requirements through training, coordination and debriefing of West Coast Observers.

Section 402(d), 109-479(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, codified at 16 U.S.C. § 1881a(d), provides NOAA authorization to enter into sole source contract with Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

This procurement is being conducted under contracting by negotiation, as an authorized source under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. 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 Wednesday, July 19, 2020 10:00 a.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: mona.m.ash@noaa.gov. The government intends to negotiate a firm fixed price contract with a one-year base period and one-year option period for the West Coast Region Observer Program (WCGOP) with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

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.