99 -- 99 - Ground Surveys for Stranded Sea Turtles

DESC: The Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), Miami, FL., intends award a purchase order for ground surveys for stranded sea turtles along the Mustang Island Gulf Beach and periodic surveys along the 18-mile stretch of coastline on San Jose Island, from Aransas Pass to Cedar Bayou, TX. San Jose Island, TX is a critical area, which would otherwise be lacking coverage, for sea turtle strandings. The island is privately owned and inaccessible from land. The University of Texas at Austin is the only authorized entity in the Coastal Bend area of Texas which is permitted to respond to sea turtle strandings in this part of Texas. Through the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, the State of Texas, as permitting authority, issued the sole permit for protected species stranding response on Mustang and San Jose Islands to the University of Texas at Austin, Marine Laboratory at Port Aransas, TX. This requirement is for continuations and improvement of part of the existing stranding network established in 1980. This requirement is for a 12-month base period and four option years. Minimum Requirements: 1) Contractors must have permission of owners of San Jose Island to conduct surveys on this privately owned island, 2) Contractor must possess valid current permits to handle Endangered and Protected Species, as required by the Endangered Species Act. The proposed contract action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received within ten (10) days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which shall be considered by the agency. Interested firms shall include, in writing, the company name, address, point of contact, telephone number, and business size; a statement regarding their capabilities and qualifications, and any additional supporting literature. Submissions received in response to this notice shall be evaluated based on the technical ability and demonstrated past experience to meet the requirements described in the description section above. Interested parties can send requests to the attention of Sharon Walker, at fax number 816-274-6983. Vendor must provide a DUNS number (http://www.dnb.com/us/ ) and register with the Central Contractors Registration (http://www.ccr.gov/ ).