23--Special Notice of Intent to Award A sole Source Contract

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES.

Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Office: Leadville Nation Fish Hatchery
Posting Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source
Authority: FAR 12.102(a) - for acquisitions valued at or below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) of $350K.
1. Description of Requirement
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends to award a firm fixed price sole source contract for one specialized fish transport tank supporting safe and efficient movement of fish between hatchery sites and release locations. The tank must meet specific operational and biosecurity standards, including custom dimensions, integrated aeration systems, and durability sufficient for frequent use under field conditions. Requirements include specialized construction, custom configurations, and performance compatibility with existing transport systems.
This transport tank will directly support hatchery operations at Leadville National Fish Hatchery.
2. Intended Sole Source Vendor
DW Metal Works, Inc.
725 Scarlet ST
Grand Junction, Colorado 81505
DW Metalworks has previously supplied customized tanks to federal and state hatcheries, demonstrating proven performance, rapid delivery, and capability to provide after purchase service, retrofits, and repairs. Proximity allows timely support and modifications as needed.
3. Sole Source Justification
Market research indicates that while other manufacturers of fish transport tanks exist, only DW Metalworks can meet all technical, performance, and biosecurity requirements without major redesign. One alternative vendor was contacted; however, their construction methods, geographic limitations, and lack of modification/repair capabilities rendered them unsuitable. Other regional builders do not provide comparable after purchase service or compatibility with existing transport systems.
Based on operational experience across federal and state hatcheries, DW Metalworks has a unique proven track record in producing transport tanks that meet both performance and biosecurity needs. Their established compatibility with current systems and local service support makes them the only reasonable source.
4. No Solicitation Will Be Posted
This Notice is not a solicitation, and no solicitation package will be issued. However, interested parties may submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to meet all requirements listed in this notice.
Responses that do not clearly demonstrate the ability to meet every requirement will not be considered.
5. Response Instructions
Responses must include:
- Business name and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- Demonstrated technical capability to meet all requirements
- Evidence of product/service equivalency
- Confirmation of SAM.gov registration
- Ability to meet delivery/performance timelines
Responses will be evaluated solely to determine whether additional sources exist that can satisfy USFWS requirements.
Email for responses: lawrence_aragon@ios.doi.gov
Response Deadline: September 12, 2026, 5:00 PM EST
6. Determination
A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of USFWS. The Government will not reimburse any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this notice.

NO TELEPHONE REQUESTS/OFFERS WILL BE HONORED