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

The Department of Commerce’s National Marine Fisheries Service/Protected Resources Division intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Western EcoSystems Technology Inc. (WEST) for specialized statistical design and analysis related to the by-catch of marine mammals and marine observer program data in Juneau, Alaska. WEST has been selected due to their unique expertise in multivariate analysis and field study design, supported by a team of biometricians, biologists, and mathematicians who hold advanced degrees and have significant experience applying statistical methods to fisheries and marine mammal population assessments. This simplified acquisition is valued at under $100,000, highlighting its relatively modest financial scope but specialized technical requirements. All scientific work will be conducted by highly qualified personnel with master’s or doctoral degrees, ensuring rigorous analysis relevant to conservation and resource management. Questions regarding the acquisition can be directed to the designated point of contact, Randall Brown, at the provided phone number. The contract supports advancing statistical methodologies to better understand and manage by-catch impacts on marine mammal populations.