***NOAA's Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division-Seattle, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Rhithron Associates Inc. The proposed work requires to process invertebrate samples collected as part of an ongoing study quantifying the availability of invertebrate prey in multiple, off-channel habitats along the Lower Columbia River that are used by juvenile salmon. This includes analysis of invertebrates collected with tow nets, and compiling and presenting data so that concurrently collected diet samples and tow data can be compared over across multiple years of samples.

***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Research Enhancement and Utilization Technologies Division (REUT) proposed work requires complete processing and analysis of invertebrate samples collected from habitats along the Lower Columbia River (including those dominated by emergent vegetation as well as open water habitats) that are utilized by juvenile salmon. The delivery date will be July 30, 2012.
The service is the processing of invertebrate samples collected as part of a large multi-year study assessing the effects of water quality and habitat on the availability of invertebrate prey for endangered and threatened juvenile salmon. Processing includes sorting and identification of macroinvertebrates from tow samples collected from multiple sites along the Lower Columbia River. Aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates will be identified, counted, weighed, and measured, and a reference collection will be created. Rhithron Associates Inc. is the only vendor that can provide these services.

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide the services that fully meets the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. All responsible sources expressing intent will be evaluated. 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. This is a simplified acquisition with estimated value of less than $150,000.00.

Bid Protests Not Available