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

The contract involves a sole source negotiation between the NOAA Fisheries Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, Washington, and the University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fisheries Science. The purpose of this contract is to conduct research on the historic habitat opportunities and food web linkages of juvenile salmon in the Columbia River Estuary, with a focus on understanding implications for managing river flows and restoring estuarine habitats. This work requires highly specialized knowledge and unique data that only the University of Washington investigator possesses, making it essential to finalize this agreement without competitive solicitation. This simplified acquisition carries an estimated value under $50,000 and is managed by the Department of Commerce, NOAA. The notice explicitly indicates that no requests for solicitation will be entertained, signaling that this may be the sole official communication regarding the contract. The project supports the objectives of NOAA Fisheries to better manage and restore vital salmon habitats in the Columbia River Estuary through targeted scientific studies.