B--Report on Conservation Biology of Nonbreeding Loons

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to award a non-competitive contract to Dr. Paul Spitzer to prepare a comprehensive report on the conservation biology of nonbreeding Common Loons, focusing on coastal regions of the Carolinas. This report will draw on Dr. Spitzer’s extensive field research conducted since 1988 at various coastal sites, investigations into Common Loon mortality caused by emanciation, oiling, and other unidentified factors, as well as consultations with other loon biologists and both published and unpublished literature. The purpose is to analyze the ecological processes influencing loon biology in these specific coastal areas, while also providing details from additional study sites. This contract is justified under federal acquisition regulations that allow for non-competitive acquisitions when only one source is considered capable. The notice explicitly clarifies that it is not a solicitation or request for quotations, with all questions directed in writing to the designated contact person, Lester Lewis, by November 14, 2005. The contract is classified as a total small business set-aside, issued by the Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service headquarters located in Falls Church, Virginia. Interested parties are informed that telephone inquiries will not be accepted, and all official communications must be submitted via fax or email as specified.