A -- Notice of intent to procure on a sole source basis

The Department of Commerce, through NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, intends to procure services on a sole source basis from William A. Walker for processing fish and cephalopod specimens for the National Marine Mammal Laboratory's reference collection in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Walker brings 30 years of specialized experience in taxonomy, systematics, and life history of fish, cephalopods, and other invertebrates, with over a decade of direct involvement in cataloging and identifying species within the NMML’s reference collection. His extensive familiarity with NMML’s food habits projects, prey reference collection, and data collection protocols is seen as critical to maintaining consistent methodology vital for ongoing and historical data comparisons. The government views Mr. Walker’s unique expertise as essential to ensure continuity and accuracy in handling the prey reference and food habits data, which support research and management efforts. While this notice indicates a sole source intent due to the specialized need, it remains open to all responsible sources to submit bids, proposals, or quotations for consideration. The official point of contact for this procurement is Shannon McIlroy, Purchasing Agent at NOAA, based in Seattle, WA.