--Perform Study for the Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Plan.

The government plans to enter into a sole source negotiation with Dr. Mark Burton from the Business and Economics Research department at the Lewis College of Business, Marshall University, to conduct a study for the Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Plan (UMRCP). Dr. Burton and Marshall University have been selected due to their prior work involving the use of specific demographic data critical to refining variables for a model designed to predict flood damages. This model will contribute to the economic evaluation of the UMRCP, building on the original study they conducted. The contract is expected to begin upon award and cover an initial 63-day period for Phase I, with an option to extend work into a Phase II. This notice serves as an intent to negotiate on a sole source basis rather than as a request for proposal or solicitation for offers, meaning no specifications will be provided publicly. The contract details remain limited, with no information on set-asides, NAICS codes, or agency specifics. The focus is on leveraging Dr. Burton’s expertise and prior research to enhance economic assessment tools related to flood damage prediction as part of the comprehensive planning effort for the Upper Mississippi River region.