F--Notice of Intent to Issue a Single Source Award to North Star Helicopters, Inc.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Contracting and General Services Division in Portland, Oregon, is undertaking a project at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to rehabilitate areas affected by the Longstreet Fire. The project involves treating 300 acres of noxious weeds within the fire perimeter to protect 13 threatened and endangered species, along with at least 24 unique plants and animals found only in this region. North Star Helicopters has been selected to perform the work due to their exclusive capability in providing precision aerial herbicide application via helicopters, as well as their Quality Vegetation Management certification. They will supply all necessary equipment, labor, supervision, supplies, and materials to complete the weed treatment and mapping. This contract will be awarded as a sole source agreement to North Star Helicopters, without opening the requirement to full and open competition, following the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1. The decision comes after thorough market research, confirming that North Star Helicopters is the only provider capable of meeting the specialized needs of this rehabilitation effort. The official notice serves as an announcement of intent to award and not as a solicitation for competitive proposals.