B--Notice of Intent to Make a Sole Source Award to PBS&J, Miami, FL

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service (MMS), is planning to award a sole source contract to PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc.) based in Miami, Florida, under FAR Part 6.302-1, which allows for a non-competitive award when only one responsible source can fulfill the agency's requirements. The contract involves conducting a Post Hurricane Assessment of Sensitive Habitats in the East Flower Garden Banks area, located in the Gulf of Mexico about 110 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas. The study is critical because hurricane damage to the habitat becomes increasingly difficult to detect over time due to natural overgrowth, and the assessment is necessary to identify and monitor the recovery of bleached corals. PBS&J was selected for this work because their dive team has recent experience with initial post-hurricane assessments at the Flower Garden Banks, making them uniquely qualified in terms of familiarity with both the habitat and relevant techniques. The study is expected to last approximately 18 months with an estimated cost of $300,000. This notice serves as an official announcement of the intent to award the contract on a sole source basis and is not a request for competitive offers. While the government is not seeking quotes, any information submitted to the designated point of contact by January 3, 2006, will be considered. Questions or communications must be directed via email or fax to Debra Bridge of the MMS Procurement Operations Branch; however, phone inquiries are strongly discouraged. This award reflects the urgency and specificity of the work required to assess ecological damage from the hurricane in this sensitive marine area.