Applied Bio-Statistical Services for the Northwest Region's Adadromous Fish Evaluation Program.

The purpose of this sources sought notice is to assist the US Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District in Market Research of Industry to identify potential sources that may meet Advisory and Assistance service requirements. This is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a Request for Proposal (RFP). This announcement is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, implied or otherwise, to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Since this is a Sources Sought announcement, no evaluation letters and/or results will be issued to the respondents. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement. No telephone calls will be accepted requesting a bid package or solicitation. A solicitation does not presently exist. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District is seeking small business sources (an individual, a group of individuals or a business) for a service requirement entitled: Applied Bio-Statistical Services for the Northwest Region's Adadromous Fish Evaluation Program. It is anticipated that an Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) contract where consideration is being given to issuing a Firm Fixed Price contract could be issued at a later date. The North American Industry Classification code (NAICS) 541690. The Small Business size standard for this NAICS code is $7 million in average annual receipts as determined by 13 CFR 121.104. To make an appropriate acquisition decision for this project, the Government may use responses to this sources sought synopsis. The type of solicitation issued and the manner of advertisement will depend on the responses to this sources sought synopsis. Advisory and Assistance Services: Services would be provided by a qualified bio-statistician to provide applied bio-statistical expertise for various research projects under the Northwestern Region's Anadromous Fish Evaluation Program (AFEP), the Corps' comprehensive research program encompassing all the Walla Walla and Portland District's anadromous fish research efforts. The AFEP conducts scientific investigations to aid in the recovery of listed endangered salmon and other species. This is accomplished through improving fish passage conditions in the Columbia and Snake Rivers to maximize the survival of juveniles and the return of spawning adults. Professional services of biometrician(s)/statistician(s) with demonstrated experience in reviewing anadromous fish research and hydropower operations are necessary to provide an objective and independent review of statistical objectives and parameters of similar research projects. The reviews shall identify any shortcomings and suggest alternatives regarding the clarity and appropriateness of objectives and hypotheses, study designs, data analysis methods, data interpretation and hypothesis testing, and conclusions drawn. The reviews shall also address any concerns regarding potential bias, unaccounted sources of errors, power and representativeness to inference populations. The intent and purpose of the professional services are to provide a source of expertise independent of the Corps-funded biological research and monitoring. The contractor must guarantee that they are not associated with Corp-funded biological or aquatic ecology work. By signing the proposal/contract, the contractor agrees to withhold their services from obligations that may create a conflict of interest. If the Corps determines a conflict of interest is present, the contract may be terminated. ESTIMATED WORK REQUIRED Standard Reviews - Review and provide comments on up to 30 preliminary research proposals - Review and provide comments on up to 30 final research proposals - Review and provide comments on up to 30 draft research reports Non-Standard Reviews - Statistical review beyond the standard review list above - estimated up to 8 reviews - Conference call participation - estimated up to 8 conference calls - Review and provide comments on meeting notes - estimated up to 4 reviews Meetings Attend meeting pertaining to the development of research proposals and the AFEP Annual Program Review, held 3-4 days in December. Meeting attendance may include up to 30 days per year. Typically, these meetings will be in Walla Walla, WA or Portland OR. The Government will provide a copy of the minutes of these meetings to the contractor for review. Deliverables Written statistical reviews will be submitted in an electronic format within thirty days of receiving a standard review request. For non-standard reviews, a verbal response will be required within 24 hours to be followed by a written response within four days of receiving the non-standard review request. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR SOURCES SOUGHT: Interested statements shall be limited to five pages and shall include the following information: a. Firm's name, addresses, point of contact, phone number, and email address. b. CAGE Code and DUNS Number. c. A capability statement expressing interest in proposing on the solicitation when it is issued, describing the company and its specialized experience with the Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, and/or public utilities. d. A statement detailing any special qualifications or certifications, applicable to the scope of services requested, held by the in-house personnel of the firm expressing interest. e. A list of the firm's current or past specialized experience similar to or the same as the summary scope of services for this requirement performed in the last five years. Include a brief description of each project scope, schedule, and dollar value. f. A statement of your firm's business size to include designation as: SBA certified 8(a), SBA certified HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Woman-Owned Business, or a Large Business. Where to send responses: Preferred Method is by E-mail: mary.m.vansickle@usace.army.mil U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 201 North Third Avenue ATTN: Contracting / Mary M. Van Sickle Walla Walla, WA 99362 Phone: (509) 527-7204 Response deadline: May 27, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. (Pacific time zone) This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Invitation for Bid (IFB), nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the Government; it is only to obtain market capabilities/industry comments and is to be used for informational purposes only. The Government does not intend to make an award on the bases of this sources sought synopsis/request for information, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited herein.