58 -- NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT

The Department of Commerce's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract for the purchase of MK9 archival tags manufactured by Wildlife Computers. These tags are specialized devices designed to be attached to marine mammals such as seals and penguins, as well as large pelagic fish, to collect data on depth, temperature, light levels, and wet or dry conditions. Wildlife Computers and Lotek Wireless are the only known suppliers for these types of tags. NMFS plans to acquire equal quantities of tags from both vendors to evaluate which brand best suits their research requirements. The contract will be awarded under the authority of FAR 6.302, allowing the government to negotiate with a single source without a competitive solicitation, although proposals from interested parties will be accepted and considered if submitted within 15 days of the notice publication. This simplified acquisition has an estimated value of less than $100,000. The solicitation is managed through NOAA’s Seattle office, with designated points of contact available for procurement assistance. The goal is to efficiently procure specialized equipment crucial for marine research while ensuring consideration of all potential suppliers within the limited competitive framework.