R -- Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract

The Department of Commerce's NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Stephanie Conti to conduct specialized analytical modeling focused on the broadband scattering characteristics of tuna and their cohabitant species. The work aims to use the multiple-scattering method to measure broadband total target strengths and generate acoustical signatures for these fish species. Conti, having joined the Fisheries Research Division in April 2001, brings a unique expertise that integrates electrical engineering, computer programming, physics, underwater bioacoustics, and advanced mathematics, skills not found in any other potential vendor. This contract is structured as a simplified acquisition with an estimated value below $100,000, under solicitation number WASC-3-426, posted in January 2003. The efforts will support the research division’s goal of accurately characterizing pelagic scatterers, a critical component for advancing underwater acoustics research. The work is to be administered from Seattle, Washington, and the sole source nature of the contract reflects the unmatched qualifications of the vendor in this highly specialized scientific domain.