F--Fish Tagging, management and reporting

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, intends to award a contract for fish tagging, management, and reporting services to Big Eagle and Associates in Red Bluff, California, through a competitive exception. This sole-source approach is necessary to maintain compatibility and continuity with existing tagging procedures used by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Office in Stockton, which manages Chinook salmon reared at the Feather River Fish Hatchery. Big Eagle and Associates currently holds contracts with the California Department of Water Resources and the California Department of Fish and Game to provide tagging services at this hatchery, ensuring seamless integration and efficiency across programs. This contract will reduce time and minimize stress on the fish due to consistent handling practices, supporting ongoing efforts in fish population monitoring and assessment. No additional procurement notices will be posted, and inquiries may be directed to the designated contact, Ginger Thacker. The award reflects the strategic importance of maintaining established procedures for data continuity and program effectiveness related to Chinook salmon management in the region.