B--Notice of Sole Source Award

Fish & Wildlife Services, Region 7, plans to issue a sole source, firm-fixed price contract valued at $144,600 to Pole Star Ecological Research LLC for conducting the Seward Line Sea Bird Survey. This contract is issued under Simplified Acquisition Procedures and justified by the need to maintain consistency in observers throughout the project, as varying observers can introduce significant errors in seabird surveys. The contract’s NAICS classification is 541620, indicating it covers environmental consulting services. The decision not to compete this procurement was made based on the importance of using a single, consistent observer for the duration of the survey, ensuring data quality and reliability. The award, set for March 27, 2020, is not a request for quotes but a market research action to assess competition if it would benefit the Government. The authority for this sole source procurement is derived from limited source justification and approval, citing regulations that permit solicitation from a single source when warranted. The contract falls under the Department of the Interior, FWS Alaska Regional Office, with the office located in Anchorage, Alaska. Further information can be obtained by contacting Tony Kuntz at the Fish & Wildlife Service.