The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division-Kansas City office intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University for professional analytical expertise for the estimating of the Seabird Bycatch of the U.S. Pelagic Longline Fleet in the Western North Atlantic for the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center located in Miami, FL.

 A Sources Sought notice was posted on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website on July 31, 2015 and closed on August 07, 2015.  No responses were received.

 
Justification for Sole Source 

The Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, PA has extensive statistical fisheries modeling experience and specifically conducting analyses of seabird bycatch in the U.S. Atlantic Pelagic Longline Fleet since 2008.  These databases are very complex and a new provider is not expected to provide the vital analyses without error.  Therefore, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University has been identified as the only known source that can provide the needed items as specified below that will also meet the Government’s intended use based on their technical expertise.