V--V--Notice of intent to make a Sole Source award of a contract for a 50 ft flat pontoon boat and operator for 3 -- 9 hour days on the Salton Sea in Calipatria, CA

The contract involves procuring a large 50-foot flat deck boat and an experienced operator to serve as a work platform for constructing an artificial nesting platform for gull-billed terns at the Salton Sea. The operator must possess specific knowledge of the Salton Sea area and be available for three consecutive days of work, with each day requiring nine hours of service during normal business hours. This setup aims to facilitate environmental conservation efforts by enhancing the habitat of the targeted bird species. This is a sole source award intent issued by the Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, designated as a total small business set-aside under federal acquisition regulations. The solicitation was posted in May 2006, and the work is focused in Calipatria, California. The contract underscores the importance of a specialized vessel and localized expertise to support the nesting platform construction effectively within the specified timeframe.