Intent to Award Single Source Contract

The Forest Service plans to award a single source contract under FAR 13.106-1(b) to support ongoing research and development focused on the analysis and development of monthly burned area estimates in Russia, utilizing satellite data. This work builds on data starting from 2001 with MODIS observations but requires extending the dataset by incorporating older AVHRR GAC satellite data from 1979 to 2000 to analyze fire interactions with carbon stocks and climate change. The contractor, Donald Cahoon, has already compiled the necessary remote sensing datasets, which include AVHRR GAC satellite imagery, aerosol data, historic weather records, and elements of the Canadian Fire Weather Index, as these data are not otherwise readily accessible. This contract, designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 541620, is issued by the Rocky Mountain Research Station of the Department of Agriculture, with the point of contact being Joseph D. Lewis. Although this notice serves to inform interested parties of the intent to award without soliciting competitive proposals, the government retains full discretion to decide if competition will be conducted based on responses to the notice. The contract supports NASA-funded research efforts, emphasizing the importance of the unique data and expertise provided by the selected contractor in fulfilling project goals related to fire-related climate studies in Siberia.