NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT
The US 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 Biomark, Inc., 705 S. 8th St., Boise, Idaho 20910, using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to Purchase of 2000 passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and 20 PIT tag readers to read/decode PIT tags in wild, threatened and endangered sea turtles. This procurement is necessary to provide PIT tags and PIT tag readers to the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) for use during routine operations and during cold stunning and other emergency events. Cold stunning events have occurred periodically over the past three decades, and in recent years, several hundred to several thousand sea turtles have stranded each year due to cold stunning when water temperatures drop suddenly in coastal lagoons and bays. When this occurs, sea turtles can become trapped in shallow cold water, becoming inactive and can result in death. The STSSN works to rescue, warm, and rehabilitate these turtles. Once they have recovered and when water temperatures have increased, the turtles are released back into the wild. Prior to release, all turtles are PIT tagged, a universal tagging method for sea turtles world-wide, so they may be identified if encountered again. Only specific readers will accurately and effectively function under field conditions to ensure that implanted PIT tags are found and properly read/decoded.

Biomark is the sole distributor of the model of PIT tags and PIT tag readers proven to work successfully in the marine and sandy environment for sea turtle research projects, including stranding networks, and used extensively by other sea turtle researchers in the United States and other countries. Sea turtles are a migratory species and a single sea turtle may be encountered in multiple locations within the United States as well as in other countries. It is imperative that there is consistency and accuracy in searching for and reading/decoding implanted PIT tags. Biomark PIT tags and PIT tag readers have a proven track record for use in sea turtles. Biomark Inc. has a proven track record of reliability and their equipment has successfully performed in long-term tagging studies of marine turtles around the globe. Ensuring that sea turtles are correctly marked and identified for the long-term will assist NMFS in meeting its federal ESA mandates to conserve and recover sea turtles.

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 541712 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 04:00 pm, July 26, 2017. 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 [email protected] by 04:00 pm, July 26, 2017.

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