R -- Preparation of a NOAA Fisheries Service Local Fisheries Knowledge Project Handbook

The Department of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), plans to enter into a single source purchase order with the Rural School and Community Trust to support the creation of a handbook that details the design and implementation of Local Fisheries Knowledge (LFK) projects in educational and community settings. This procurement is conducted under simplified acquisition procedures in accordance with federal regulations permitting sole source awards when only one supplier has the unique capabilities or proprietary information necessary for project completion. The Rural School and Community Trust is uniquely positioned for this task, having originated the LFK project and possessing exclusive access to the original materials and data required to produce the handbook. The period of performance for the contract is anticipated to be fifteen months, with a budget allocation of $30,000. Although the government intends to negotiate directly with the Rural School and Community Trust, NOAA is open to receiving statements of qualifications from responsible sources by April 6, 2006, for consideration. Submission of these qualifications can be made via fax or email. The contract is identified under solicitation number NFFK0000-6-00173sks and falls within the NAICS code 541990, which covers specialized design and consulting services. Key points of contact for this procurement include Contract Specialist Sandra K. Shaffner and Contracting Officer Mario A. Checchia, both reachable via NOAA’s Silver Spring, Maryland office.