R -- NOtice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract with

The Department of Commerce, through the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), intends to negotiate a sole source contract with the University of Durham's Department of Biological Sciences Lab for genetic analysis services related to killer whale tissue samples. The contract involves performing mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite genetic analyses on samples gathered from killer whales worldwide. Dr. Russ Hoelzel, a leading expert in cetacean genetics affiliated with the University of Durham, will conduct the research. His extensive experience includes producing numerous scientific manuscripts on killer whale genetics and collecting unique killer whale tissue samples that are critical for this study. These samples, collected independently by Dr. Hoelzel, will also be made available to NWFSC under the contract. This acquisition is a simplified sole source procurement with an estimated value under $50,000, emphasizing the necessity of contracting with Dr. Hoelzel due to his exclusive access to essential samples and specialized expertise. The contract was announced on June 10, 2002, under solicitation number WASC-2-1131, and the work will be headquartered administratively in Seattle, Washington. This arrangement underscores the importance of specialized genetic research in understanding killer whale populations and supports ongoing scientific efforts by leveraging Dr. Hoelzel’s unique capabilities and resources.