Notice of Intent to negotiate a sole-source contract - Nor'Eastern Trawl Systems trawl doors and rigging assemblies
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
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service – Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) intends to negotiate a sole-source contract with Nor’Eastern Trawl Systems Inc. for midwater trawl doors and replacement Cantrawl rigging assemblies. This equipment is essential for research vessels conducting fisheries surveys in the northern Bering Sea during the FY26-27 field seasons. This notice is an intent to sole source, not a request for competitive quotes.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the purchase of modernized trawl equipment, specifically midwater trawl doors, trawl bridle materials, and a codend liner. These items are critical for the successful implementation of the Northern Bering Sea Ecosystem Surface Trawl (NBEST) and Fall Eastern Bering Sea Juvenile Fish (SEBS, BASIS) surveys. The trawl doors must be compatible in form, fit, and function with existing systems on AFSC-chartered research vessels, replacing aging equipment. Nor’Eastern Trawl Systems Inc. is also manufacturing a new TS-II rigging assembly for an agency-owned Cantrawl net. This equipment supports critical data streams and time series for groundfish stock assessments and salmon bycatch analyses.
Contract Details
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1))
- Intended Contractor: Nor’Eastern Trawl Systems Inc.
- Justification: The sole source determination is based on Nor’Eastern Trawl Systems Inc. manufacturing the existing mid-water trawl doors and holding exclusive technical rights and authorized servicing dealer status for Cantrawl nets. Using another vendor would necessitate extensive refitting and reconfiguring, leading to increased costs and delays for critical surveys.
- Set-Aside: Not applicable (sole source action).
Response & Evaluation
This notice is not a request for competitive quotes, and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide equipment or services fully meeting the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation (Capability Statement). This documentation will be evaluated solely to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. The Government retains discretion regarding competitive procurement.
Deadlines & Contact
- Capability Statements Due: April 22, 2026, by 1600 PM PDT.
- Submission Email: jason.jenks@noaa.gov
- Email Subject Line: REQUIREMENTS-26-2106, Project Title: NOAA AFSC Northern Bering Sea Ecosystem Surface Trawl survey FY26-27 equipment purchase.
- Registration: All contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov to be eligible for any potential award.