B -- Research-Ecosystem Management of the Chesapeake Bay

The Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plans to negotiate a sole source purchase order with the Chesapeake Research Consortium located in Edgewater, Maryland. This action is taken under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253c(1) and is guided by FAR 6.302-1, employing simplified acquisition procedures as outlined in FAR Part 13 and Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-12. The purpose of this purchase order is to support collaborative research and ecosystem-based management efforts focused on the shallow water systems of Chesapeake Bay. The procurement aims to provide NOAA with essential data and insights to enhance its environmental management capabilities for the Chesapeake Bay area. A justification for not pursuing full and open competition has been documented and is on file to support this single source approach. The reference number for this procurement is NFFK0000-6-00564gel, and the associated solicitation number is Reference-Number-NFFK-6-564pla. The contract is managed through NOAA's office in Silver Spring, Maryland, with designated points of contact including Contract Specialist Prattsie L. Artis and Contracting Officer Mario A. Checchia. The arrangement underscores NOAA’s commitment to effective collaboration and specialized research to improve ecological stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.