***NOAA's Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge of Santa Cruz, CA for assisting the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in performing full scientific necropsies following specific scientific protocols in order to provide insights into the demographics of the bycatch, population effects, population effects on fisheries, food web processes and food habits, and other scientific information.

***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) NMFS requirement for performing full scientific necropsies following specific scientific protocols. Only Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge has an agreement that allows access to appropriate necropsy facilities, has completed similar projects in the past, and employs qualified staff specializing in seabird necropsy. The period of performance is from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020, with two option periods (October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 and October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022).

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. 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.