R--Development of river-specific population decision support tools for Gulf sturge
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 United States Geological Survey (USGS), Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) has issued a Special Notice indicating its intent to award a sole source contract to Big Fin Scientific for the development of river-specific population decision-support tools for Gulf sturgeon. This effort is critical for synthesizing existing data, refining modeling approaches, and producing quantitative recovery criteria for this species of federal management concern. Vendors who believe they can provide similar services must contact the agency by May 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
The required services include:
- Synthesizing existing adult population growth and seniority probability data.
- Producing quantitative recovery criteria.
- Refining modeling approaches and decision frameworks to optimize output for regulatory and management needs.
- Providing consultation and recommendations on interpreting population trends and translating model outputs into recovery-plan-ready products and Section 7 consultation guidance.
- Model development and iteration, synthesis of published population data, production of river-specific status diagnostics, creation of a decision framework, and preparation of regulatory-ready deliverables and a final report.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Intent to Sole Source)
- Intended Awardee: Big Fin Scientific
- Period of Performance: Date of award to June 30, 2026
- Response Due: May 20, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT
- Published: May 14, 2026
Sole Source Rationale
The USGS intends to award to Big Fin Scientific under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) 'Only One Source Reasonably Available'. This is due to Big Fin Scientific's unique, non-transferable knowledge and direct role in generating and interpreting the foundational demographic parameters for Gulf sturgeon. Their staff possess specific expertise in life-history, survival, and population growth relationships, coupled with quantitative skills in population modeling, uncertainty propagation, and decision-support frameworks. This system-specific and model-specific knowledge is deemed essential for developing defensible, river-specific models within the required timeframe and without compromising scientific integrity or causing unacceptable delays to meet the June 30, 2026 EMA redirect deadline. Market research found no other sources with the necessary qualifications.
Action Item
Any vendor believing they possess similar technical expertise and can provide these services should contact Contract Specialist Miranda Blankenship via email at Miranda_blankenship@ios.doi.gov by the response deadline.