The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), California Bay Delta Authority (CALFED), located in Sacramento, CA, intends to establish a labor-hours contract with a base year plus one option year (12 months), for the purpose of obtaining scientific research advisory and assistance services on the Suisun Marsh Preservation Agreement from Dr. Stuart Siegel of Wetlands and Water Resources, Inc. The Suisun Marsh Charter Group (SMCG) Principal Agencies (Principals), composed of Federal, State and local agencies, are preparing "The Habitat Management, Preservation, and Restoration Plan for the Suisun Marsh" (SMP) which will balance the goals and objectives of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, Suisun Marsh Preservation Agreement, and other management and restoration programs within the Suisun Marsh in a manner responsive to the concerns of all stakeholders. The role of the SMP Science Advisor is to advise the Principals, and conduct tasks as directed by the Principals, to help ensure the application of good scientific practices into the development of the SMP and its Programmatic EIS/EIR, assist in broadening the scientific knowledge about the marsh, and help integrate scientific expertise and peer-review into the planning and implementation processes and activities. The purpose of this work is to continue Science Advisor participation through to completion of the Final PEIR/S. Since beginning work on the SMP, the PEIR/S schedule has extended, its and the Plan's contents have expanded as the agencies clarified Plan direction during its preparation. In addition, work on the SMP was set originally to conclude by September 2008 coincident with the scheduled expiration of its underlying contract. That contract timeline has recently been extended to accommodate broader CALFED activities. This requirement will be awarded to Dr. Stuart Siegel, Wetlands and Water Resources, Inc, of San Rafael, CA, on a sole source basis for the following reasons: Dr. Siegel possesses extensive experience in the design, construction, and management of wetland ecosystems and has participated in past multi-agency, large-scale restoration endeavors including the South Bay Salt Pond Project and the Delta Regional Ecosystem Restoration Implementation Plan. He has also provided scientific guidance to the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force through his work on the Ecosystem Work Group. Dr. Siegel has demonstrated an ability to lead local and regional scientists and managers through complex scientific results and is highly respected and consulted for his technical expertise in the area of habitat restoration. Dr. Siegel has served as the Suisun Marsh Science Advisor since 2006. Previous participation in SMP activities is essential to providing the scientific integrity of the development of the Suisun Marsh Plan from the Science Advisor position. The institutional knowledge and expertise held by Dr. Siegel as the Science Advisor for SMP is critical to the timeline of the project and necessary to perform the duties of the position. Stuart Siegel has historical knowledge of this position, this project and the required expertise in tidal wetland ecology and marsh restoration. 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 parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive responses. However, all responses received within (15) fifteen days after date of publication of this synopsis may be considered by the Government. Responses can be sent to Reginald Solomon via email to
[email protected]. A determination by the Government not to compete 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 sufficient information that describes or demonstrates the firms comprehensive knowledge of the CALFED Bay Delta Program. Only affirmative responses to this notice will be evaluated to the extent necessary for the Government to determine whether it is feasible to conduct a competitive acquisition considering demonstrated knowledge requirement referenced in this notice. Submissions received in response to this notice shall be evaluated based on the following criteria: 1) Demonstrated technical ability to successfully provide the required services as stated herein. The applicable NAICS code is 541620. As prescribed in 32.705-1(a), clause 52.232-18, entitled Availability of Funds (Apr 1984) applies to this acquisition The USGS requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). No award can be made to a company not registered in CCR. For additional information and to register in CCR, please access the following web site: http://www.ccr.gov. In order to register, all offerors must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at https://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or by phone at (800) 333-0505.