B--Notice of Intent to Sole Source Otolith Analysis

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service plans to award a sole source firm fixed price commercial services contract to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for highly specialized otolith and scale analysis services critical to studying the life history of ESA-listed spring Chinook Salmon in the Entiat and Columbia River basins. The contractor will process and analyze up to 400 adult Entiat summer Chinook otoliths using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and related techniques, alongside paired scale and otolith examinations to determine juvenile residency patterns, migration timing, growth rates, and rearing locations. This procurement falls under the simplified acquisition threshold and is being conducted under FAR 6.302-1 due to the unique and specialized nature of the required services, with only one known responsible source currently capable of fulfilling the technical requirements. Although this notice is not a solicitation for proposals or quotations, any responsible entity believing it can meet the specified technical needs may submit a capability statement to Contracting Officer Oscar Orozco by August 10, 2026, at 8:00 AM Pacific Time. The submission will be used solely to assess whether a competitive procurement is warranted, and the opportunity is limited to organizations possessing the precise scientific expertise required. The contract will be administered under NAICS code 541380, and all official correspondence should be directed to the designated point of contact provided, with the place of performance and agency office located in Falls Church, Virginia.