B -- Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract with Western Washington University

****Point of contact: Paul Thompson (206) 526-6042, [email protected]**** Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract with Western Washington University, Biology Department (WWU) for the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Lab (PMEL). Purpose of proposed action is to collect and analye microbial population samples at extreme environemnt of the deep-sea hydrothermal vents. The PMEL VENTS Program investigators have worked collaboratively with WWU lab for the past five years on two other projects at sites on the Juan de Fuca spreading center to tie in the fluid chemistry with the microbial ecology. During the course of this work, specialzied procedures and techniqeus for intercomparison of data have been jointly developed. The experience and knowledge base gained from the joint field work and workshops is critical to the success of the Explorer Ridge program. No other group can obtain data and experience required for successful completion of this study in time for upcoming NOAA cruise which starts 7/15/02. This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $100,000.