NOAA Fisheries Special Notice of Intent to a Single Source_Trawl Materials
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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract to LFS, Inc. of Bellingham, Washington, for specialized trawl materials and supplies. This procurement, under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), is for constructing and repairing trawls vital for scientific surveys in Alaskan waters. Firms believing they can meet the exact requirements may submit documentation by April 23, 2026.
Purpose and Scope
AFSC requires these materials to build seven new trawls and repair existing ones, which are used in five distinct bottom trawl surveys in Alaska. These surveys are critical for collecting fishery-independent data integral to stock assessments of commercial fish and crab species. The materials, including specific webbing (e.g., #60 TW Nylon x 4” DG&B, 4mm DBL 5" OP) and hardware (e.g., 1-1/4" Galv BT Chain Shackles), must maintain strict standardization to ensure unbiased and consistent data collection over time. Trawls must withstand significant stress, with average catches of 1,100-1,200 kg.
Sole Source Rationale
The Government's rationale for a sole-source award to LFS, Inc. is based on market research indicating that only LFS, Inc. can provide the proprietary and exact specifications required. The unique fibers, tensile strength, and looming techniques of the rope and twine, along with specific hardware, are essential for compatibility with existing systems and for maintaining the proven design requirements of AFSC's standardized fishing gear. Any deviation in materials could compromise, delay, or cancel critical surveys, leading to biased abundance estimates.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Intent to award a Firm Fixed-Price contract.
- Authority: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) (Simplified Acquisition Procedures).
- Sole Source Vendor: LFS, Inc., Bellingham, WA.
- Period of Performance: From award through January 1, 2027.
- Delivery: Preferred as soon as possible, acknowledging up to 14 weeks due to potential backorders.
- NAICS Code: 314994 (Other Millwork, Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees).
- Published Date: April 8, 2026.
- Response Due: April 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Action for Interested Parties
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's exact requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing. Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. Oral communications are not acceptable. Responses should be emailed to Christie.Lang@noaa.gov.