B--Sources Sought polar bear scent detection

The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting market research under a sources sought notice to identify qualified businesses capable of deploying trained scent detection dog teams to locate polar bear maternal dens along the Beaufort Sea coast in Alaska, specifically at the Oliktok Long Range Radar Station and surrounding areas including Foggy and Howe Islands. The effort supports Secretarial Order 3422 and Executive Order 14153 and involves conducting field surveys during December and January under extreme Arctic conditions, using available polar bear hair and scat samples to train detection dogs to identify denning bears at a distance that ensures no disturbance. Respondents must demonstrate the ability to provide qualified handler-dog teams, collect and document environmental survey data, and deliver a comprehensive final technical report containing methodology, raw data, and metadata by June 1, 2027. The work is expected to occur between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027, with data to be transmitted electronically to the USGS-ASC. This initiative is strictly for market research purposes and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or a commitment to award a contract. All responses must be submitted as capability statements via email to Anthony_berry@ios.doi.gov no later than June 19, 2026, at 8:00 AM Pacific Time. Respondents are required to indicate whether their business qualifies as small or large under the NAICS code 541620, which carries a size standard of $19.0 million. The Government will not reimburse any costs associated with preparing a response. Contractors must have adequate facilities for training dogs, either in Oregon or Alaska, and the USGS retains future publishing rights to all data produced, with joint decisions on future data use and professional attribution required between the contractor and USGS/ASC personnel. No government furnished property, security clearances, or personnel clearances are needed, and no contract clauses or evaluation factors are yet defined.