Notice of intent to negotiate a sole-source contract - Benthic Invertebrate species identification; NMFS - AFSC
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 Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) – Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to negotiate a sole-source contract with Scripps Institute of Oceanography/University of San Diego. This contract is for expert taxonomic identification and curation of Benthic Invertebrate specimens collected during fisheries research in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. Firms believing they can meet these requirements must submit a Capability Statement by May 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
NOAA AFSC conducts groundfish and midwater fishery surveys (FY26-31) in Alaskan waters, including the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and Aleutian Islands. These surveys yield a substantial volume of benthic invertebrates. Due to the high diversity, morphological complexity, and presence of rare or cryptic taxa, accurate field identification is challenging. Expert external identification and cataloging of these specimens are crucial for NOAA's Benthic invertebrate collections, which support research and training.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Intent to Sole Source)
- Intended Contractor: Scripps Institute of Oceanography/University of San Diego (specifically, SIO Benthic Invertebrate Collection - SIO-BIC)
- Period of Performance: July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031 (Base year + 4 option years)
- Set-Aside: None
- Capability Statement Due: May 22, 2026, 1600 PM PDT
- Published: May 7, 2026
Sole Source Justification
The sole-source determination is based on SIO-BIC's unique capabilities. They possess extensive collections, specialized expertise, and unique resources for identifying and curating marine invertebrates that are not available internally within NOAA. This specialized knowledge is essential for the accurate processing of specimens critical to AFSC's ecosystem assessment data.
Action for Industry
This notice is not a request for competitive quotes, and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation (Capability Statement) for evaluation. Submissions must be in sufficient detail to demonstrate capability and should be sent via email to jason.jenks@noaa.gov with the subject line: "Announcement Number: REQUIREMENTS-26-1761, Project Title: NOAA AFSC Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands survey FY26-31 Benthic Invertebrate Species Identification and Cataloging." A determination to proceed non-competitively is at the Government's discretion. All contractors must be registered in SAM.gov.