R -- Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract with Duke University

The contract involves a sole source negotiation with the School of Environment and Earth Sciences to conduct research focused on the reduction of coral reefs. The work is scheduled to be completed within 18 months and aims to produce a variety of deliverables including spatial data layers with FGDC-compliant metadata, project files in ArcView and ArcGIS formats, a detailed site-specific hydrodynamical-ecological model, a comprehensive methods document, and a training module designed to enhance marine protected area (MPA) network optimization and connectivity analysis. The effort will be coordinated closely with several key local and federal entities, including the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the National Park of American Samoa, the Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources, the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency, and other members of the coastal management community in American Samoa. This simplified acquisition, with an estimated value below $100,000, is overseen by the Department of Commerce and NOAA, based in Seattle, Washington. The contract signifies collaboration aimed at leveraging scientific expertise to improve coral reef management and conservation efforts in the region. Interested parties with questions about the acquisition are directed to contact Randall Brown. The project’s goal is to deliver scientifically robust tools and models that support effective environmental management and policy decisions for coral reef preservation in American Samoa.