The USGS Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team requires genotyping hair and/or tissue samples from GYE grizzly bears, and comparing results from the closest population to the north, the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) to determine the source population for each sample. The Government intends to award this requirement noncompetitively IAW FAR 12 and 13.106-1(b) (1) to Wildlife Genetic International of Canada. Results will be used for genetic monitoring desired by the USFWS for the distinct population segment (DPS) of grizzly bears occupying the GYE as was specified in the Final Rule (FR) Removing the Yellowstone Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Grizzly Bears From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (Federal Register 72:40 [March 29, 2007] pages 14866-14938). Although the grizzly bears in the GYE were relisted by court order in September 2009 (Federal Register 75:58 [March 26, 2010], concerns for their genetic health remain and will likely be reiterated in any subsequent proposed delisting rule. The primary task for genetic monitoring is to document natural connectivity, or lack thereof, between the GYE-DPS and the NCDE grizzly population using genetic samples from all captured or dead bears. Gene flow between these 2 populations will be detected by using an ``assignment test, which identifies the ecosystem from which individuals are most likely to have originated based on their unique genetic signature. This technique also has the ability to identify bears that may be the product of reproduction between GYE and NCDE bears. The assignment tests require that the same 21 microsatellite markers used to genotype NCDE bears also be used in the GYE-DPS. If gene flow into the GYE from the NCDE grizzly population is not documented by 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in conjunction with their partners may undertake to translocate individual bears from other grizzly populations into the GYE-DPS to maintain current levels of genetic diversity. The Government intends to negotiate on a noncompetitive basis with WGI, the provider of this genetic analyses, in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b) and the procedures of FAR Part 12, entitled, Acquisition of Commercial Items. Other interested concerns having the ability to furnish these services shall submit a capabilities statement to the Contract Specialist no later than the closing date of this announcement to [email protected]. All submissions will be evaluated to determine if competitive opportunities exist.

Bid Protests Not Available