20 -- Notice of intent to Negotiate a Sole Source Contract

Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract with Cantrawl Pacific Inc. for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Purpose of proposed contract is to purchase Model 300 Widebody trawl. The NMFS Ocean Carrying Capacity (OCC) program samples juvenile salmon and related nekton in the North Pacific ocean. Since the start of the program in 1995, fish samples have been and continue to be collected using a Cantrawl Model 400 midwater rope trawl. Results from prior surveys suggest that catch per unit effort of juvenile salmon may be useful in predicting future salmon run strength. Successful comparisons of juvenile salmon CPUE within and between years reqauires using the same net as used in previous cruises to provide continuity of research results for the NMFS program. This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $50,000.