B -- Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract

The contract involves a sole source negotiation with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) on behalf of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to conduct a study on the survival of Steller sea lion pups at Rogue Reef, Oregon, and St. George Reef, California. ODFW has a longstanding history of research on Steller sea lions in Oregon, having conducted studies for twenty years, and operates an office very close to Rogue Reef, enabling direct monitoring and video transmission of marked sea lions. Due to the absence of any other qualified research institutions in the Gold Beach area and ODFW’s exclusive role in conducting sea lion abundance surveys in the state, they have been identified as the sole capable entity to perform this work. The contract is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value below $100,000 and is managed under the Department of Commerce, NOAA office located in Seattle, Washington. Given the specialized nature of the study, geographic constraints, and ODFW’s unique expertise, the sole source approach has been justified. Questions about the contract can be directed to Randall Brown. This effort supports ongoing research efforts critical to understanding and conserving the Steller sea lion population along the Oregon and California coasts.