R--NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

The DOI-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), JAO, Falls Church, VA intends to award a sole source firm fixed price order under authority of FAR 6.302-1, Other than Full and Open Competition procedures, and FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition procedures to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This requirement is for continuity of services based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established between FWS Louisiana Ecological Services Office (LESO) and LDWF requirement for approximately 6,711 sq ft. of office electricity costs reimbursement. The LDWF has worked collaboratively with LESO for the past five years to provide ongoing support promoting enhancement and protection of natural resources and protection of trust species on both private and public lands. It was determined mutually beneficial for the LESO and LDWF staff to be co-located at the LDWF Lafayette Office to expand the partnering efforts to benefit conservation and outreach across the state of Louisiana. After reviewing costs and space available in the local area versus the space available at cost, the significant benefits to the Government were obvious in co-locating with LDWF and share electricity cost for office, meeting, and storage areas. These activities have followed a decision-based framework and reaching a critical phase where continued collaboration with LDWF is critical for the conservation of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. Improvement of Section 6 grants, Section 7 consultations, Section 4 activities, information exchange, communication, and collaboration among and between the two agencies. The North American Industry classification (NAICS) code is 926130. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals; however, firms with expressed interest and capability are encouraged to respond. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.