****NOAA's Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) with The College of New Jersey, for a larger series of research projects examining the effect of ocean acidification on federally managed crab species in Alaska.
****The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS), for a larger series of research projects examining the effect of ocean acidification on federally managed crab species in Alaska. The College of New Jersey is the only labs in the world assessing the effects of ocean acidification on microhardness of mineralized tissue in crabs. The fine scale of the microhardness procedure (testing on the order of 10-30 μm) allows them to assess individual body segments (i.e. claw, carapace) within small animal. Other mechanical tests (e.g. compression testing) typically requires a much larger sample. In addition, they are able to combine micromechanical testing with structural assessments using optical and electron microscopy. These additional assays provide insight on the dimensions and organization of specific structures within the cuticle. The College of New Jersey is the only institution in the USA or elsewhere conducting this combination of mechanical and structural assessments on crabs. Further, they are the only institution that has conducted these assessments on red and blue king crab as well as Tanner crab, so the results from the analyses will be able to be quantitatively compared among species.

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide the space and service as described that fully meets the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

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