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

The contract involves a sole source negotiation with the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife Service for the Northwest Fisheries Science Center located in Seattle, Washington. Its primary objective is to conduct scientific investigations into the contaminant levels, nutritional content—including caloric and lipid composition—and overall quality of prey species consumed by killer whales. These analyses aim to determine if there have been changes in the quality of prey available to the whales. This effort is part of ongoing research activities supported by other funding sources. This acquisition is simplified, with an estimated value of less than $50,000, and the notice serves as the official announcement of intent to negotiate the contract without a formal solicitation process or request for bids. The work will support broader fisheries and marine wildlife research under the Department of Commerce’s NOAA office and is stationed at their Seattle facility.