NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT TO CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAN Y EDUCACION SUPERIOR DE ENSENADA

The Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service requires the installation of a single mooring at latitude 25EN and longitude 90EW in the Gulf of Mexico to conduct comprehensive current measurements throughout the water column over a one-year period. This effort is intended to be awarded as a sole source contract to the Centro de Investigaciones Cientificas y Educacion Superior de Ensenada (CICESE) in Mexico, due to their unique capabilities and expertise. The contract negotiation will follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.301-2. Although this is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, interested parties may express their interest and capability, including the rationale for securing necessary Mexican permits, by the specified deadline. The notice does not constitute a request for bids but serves exclusively to inform potential parties and gather information for the government’s consideration before finalizing the sole source award. All inquiries and communications regarding this contract must be submitted in writing with the contract number referenced, as other forms of questions will not be entertained. The contract is managed by the Acquisition Management Division of the Department of the Interior, based in Sterling, Virginia, with an emphasis on ensuring proper procedural conduct and regulatory compliance in awarding this specialized contract.