R -- Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract with The Mediation Institute

Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract withThe Mediation Institute (TMI) for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Purpose of proposed contract is to provide professional services to convene and facilitate annual Pacific Offshore Cetacean Take Reduction Team meeting under Section 118(f) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Ms. Alana Knaster of TMI facilitated meetings in 1996 between NMFS and reached consensus with all interested parties. Becuase of the expertise and specified points of view expressed by original members of the 1996 meeting, it is vital that all orgiinal parties be included in follow-up assessments of the original work and development of recommendations. Ms. Knaster also facilitated subsequent follow-up meetings in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001. Any other vendor would need to establish working relationships with the thirteen meeting members, become knowledgeable on the Pacific Offshore Cetacean Take Reduction Team (PCTRP) requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and fully understand specifics of the development and implementation of the PCTRP. This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $50,000.