Best Available Science Review - Market Research
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) Office of Centralized Acquisition Services (OCAS) is conducting market research via a Sources Sought notice to identify vendors capable of providing Best Available Science Review services. This effort supports the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (GCERC) by independently reviewing RESTORE Act applications for natural resource protection and restoration projects. Responses are due by March 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Purpose
This Sources Sought notice aims to determine if capable sources exist, assess whether small business programs should be utilized, and inform future acquisition strategies. It is for market research only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal or Quotation.
Scope of Work
The objective is to secure contractual services for science reviews on an as-needed basis. The contractor will:
- Utilize subject matter experts (SMEs) from nonprofits, Gulf centers of excellence, and academia to independently review and assess whether Council-Selected Restoration Component and Spill Impact Component applications are reasonably based on "best available science."
- Select reviewers, provide standardized context and guidance, and administer funds to compensate reviewers. Minimal contractor staff involvement in reviews is preferred.
- Ensure reviews adhere to the RESTORE Act's definition of "best available science," which emphasizes quality, objectivity, integrity, peer-reviewed data, and clear documentation of risks and uncertainties.
- Projects requiring review may include restoration/protection of natural resources, mitigation of damage, implementation of conservation plans, State park improvements, ecological infrastructure, and coastal flood protection.
- Review types include proposals for new Funded Priorities Lists (approx. 15-20 every 4 years) and novel/non-conventional techniques (approx. 0-5 annually).
- Performance standards require 3 SMEs per review within 3 business days for GCERC approval, and completed reviews (3 per project) within 6 weeks, with results provided in a side-by-side summary table.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Anticipated Period of Performance: Sixty months (one 12-month base year and four 12-month option years).
- Set-Aside: None specified (for market research purposes).
- Response Due: March 5, 2026, 4:00 PM ET.
- Published: February 25, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Primarily contractor facility, with potential on-site tasks at the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council in New Orleans, LA.
Response Requirements
Interested vendors must provide:
- Company name, location, contact information (POC, email, phone), business size, and socioeconomic category.
- Identification of GSA Federal Supply Schedule (MAS) contract or other contract vehicle (GWACs, MACs), including contract number, NAICS Codes, and applicable SIN.
- A general capabilities statement describing standard lines of business and experience.
- A technical narrative addressing each specified requirement in the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS).
- Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is required.
Additional Notes
This is not a solicitation, and responses will not be considered for contract award. Questions about this Sources Sought notice will not be entertained at this stage but will be fielded during a future Request for Quote (RFQ) period. Vendors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for any future solicitations.