National Academy of Sciences Independent Science Studies

SYNOPSIS This is a notice of intent to negotiate on a sole-source basis. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Management and Organizational Development Division (MODD) for Independent Science Studies (ISS) requirement is hereby synopsized in accordance with FAR 5.207 Preparation and Transmittal of Synopses: Action Code: NRMA0000-21-00955 Date: October 19 Year: 2021 Contracting Office ZIP Code: 80305 Product or Service Code: R499 - Professional, Administrative and Management Support Services Contracting Office Address: 325 Broadway, DSRC, Boulder, CO 80305 Subject: Independent Science Studies (ISS) Proposed Solicitation Number: N/A Closing Response Date: N/A Contact Point or Contracting Officer: Contracting Officer: Ryan Edwards Email: ryan.edwards@noaa.gov Contract Specialist: Sue Bratton Email: sue.bratton@noaa.gov 11. Contract Award and Solicitation Number: Solicitation Number: N/A Contract Number: To be determined at time of award 12. Contract Award Dollar Amount: TBD 13. Line Item Number: TBD 14. Contract Award Date: TBD 15. Contractor: National Academy of Sciences (NAS) 16. Description: The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our nation's economic, social and environmental needs. As a supplier of environmental information products, NOAA provides the nation with information that pertains to the state of the oceans and the atmosphere. This is clearly manifest in the production of weather warnings and forecasts through the National Weather Service, but NOAA's information products extend to climate, ecosystems and commerce as well. NOAA serves as the steward of national coastal and marine environments. In coordination with federal, state, local, tribal and international authorities, NOAA manages the use of these environments, regulating fisheries and marine sanctuaries as well as protecting threatened and endangered marine species. NOAA intends to award a sole-source contract to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) under the authority of FAR 6.302-5(a)(2)(i) for this requirement. This requirement is to provide overall program management and administration services in support Independent Science Studies (ISS). The requirement is to provide scientific studies which result in a compilation of written reports and conduct various meetings in an effort to provide NOAA with independent scientific, technical, and policy guidance from scientists and others in a variety of environmental and public policy issues. To assist it in framing its long-term strategic course, NOAA, under the DOC, requires input in many complex and interrelated scientific and technical topics. This requires an understanding of the current state of science as well as an intimate knowledge of newly emerging scientific and technical methodologies to support recommendations for future directions NOAA should take into consideration while laying out its strategic plan to meet its mission goals. In addition to the studies mandated by Congressional language, NOAA requires studies whose scientific findings and/or recommendations will have implications for policy or budget decisions, which will likely be of interest to and may inform Congress and other relevant decision makers. As a result, a very high level of audience acceptance is required for these studies and associated meetings. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, any firm that believes it can meet this requirement may provide written notification to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. 17. Place of Contract Performance: Multiple locations across the continental United States. 18. Set-aside Status: N/A. The Government does not intend to set-aside this procurement for any small business program.