R -- Notice of Intent to Procure on a Sole Source Basis

The Department of Commerce, through its NOAA office in Seattle, intends to negotiate a sole source contract with the University of Washington to conduct field studies in the Columbia River Estuary. These studies will support a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project focused on understanding estuarine habitat and juvenile salmon populations, examining both current conditions and historical linkages in the Lower Columbia River and Estuary. This notice serves as the official announcement for this simplified acquisition, with an estimated contract value of less than $100,000. The contract is identified under solicitation number WASC-1306 and was posted on March 15, 2002. The acquisition process does not involve a competitive solicitation and is likely the only notice prospective contractors will receive for this specific procurement. The work will be performed primarily in the field at the Columbia River Estuary, supporting ongoing research efforts critical to fisheries and habitat restoration initiatives in the region. The Department of Commerce is utilizing a streamlined acquisition process given the contract’s scope and estimated cost.