A -- Record Blood Nitrogen Concentrations in the Deep Sea in Trained Dolphins

The US Department of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), plans to engage the University of California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography in a contract using simplified acquisition procedures. The university is uniquely qualified as the sole responsible source due to its trained bottlenose dolphins capable of deep open ocean diving, a key aspect needed to monitor mammal blood nitrogen uptake and distribution. This research aims to enhance the understanding of free nitrogen bubbles as a contributing factor to human decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." The contract will be awarded without full and open competition under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(1) and FAR 6.302-1, with a performance period of four months following FAR Part 13 guidelines. The contract, titled "Record Blood Nitrogen Concentrations in the Deep Sea in Trained Dolphins," is planned as a purchase order intended to advance scientific knowledge relevant to decompression illness. The contracting office is located in Silver Spring, Maryland, and key contacts include a Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer available for questions. A formal justification for the procurement method is documented, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This effort is not a solicitation but a direct procurement with NOAA leveraging the unique capabilities of Scripps Institution of Oceanography to conduct specialized marine mammal research critical for human health applications.