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 capable vendors for Best Available Science Review services for the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (GCERC). This effort supports the review and assessment of RESTORE Act project applications. Responses are due March 5, 2026.
Purpose
This Sources Sought Notice is for market research purposes only, pursuant to FAR Part 10. Its objective is to determine if sources capable of satisfying the agency's requirements exist and to assess whether the acquisition should utilize any small business programs in accordance with FAR Part 19. This notice does not constitute a Request for Proposal or Quotation and does not obligate the Government to any further action.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for contractual services to provide science reviews on an as-needed basis. The selected contractor will primarily facilitate these reviews by utilizing subject matter experts from nonprofits, Gulf centers of excellence, and academia. Key functions include selecting reviewers, providing standardized context and guidance, and administering funds to compensate reviewers. The reviews will assess whether RESTORE Act Council-Selected Restoration Component and Spill Impact Component applications for natural resource protection and restoration projects are reasonably based on "best available science," as defined by the Act. This includes projects related to ecosystem restoration, mitigation of damage, conservation plans, state park improvements, and infrastructure benefiting ecological resources. Reviews will cover project proposals for new Funded Priorities Lists (approximately 15-20 every four years) and novel/non-conventional techniques (approximately 0-5 annually). Science support for complex, large-scale project reviews and decision-support capabilities are also required.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Anticipated Period of Performance: Sixty months, consisting of one 12-month base year and four 12-month option years.
- Response Due: March 5, 2026, 9:00 PM ET.
- Published: February 25, 2026.
- Place of Performance: New Orleans, LA.
Response Requirements
Vendors must review the entire requirement and respond only if fully capable of satisfying all aspects. Submissions should include:
- Company name, location, contact information, business size, and socioeconomic category.
- Details of GSA Federal Supply Schedule (MAS) contract or other contract vehicles (contract number, NAICS Codes, applicable SIN).
- A general capabilities statement, description of standard lines of business, experience, and a technical narrative addressing the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS).
- Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is mandatory.
Important Notes
This is not a solicitation, and responses will not be considered for contract award. No questions will be entertained at this time; Q&A will occur during a future Request for Quote (RFQ) period. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for any future solicitations that may result from this market research.