The US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division, Simplified Acquisition Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Fundacón Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, c/Gran Via Marqà Del Turia 19, 46005 Valencia, España  G98814577, using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to acquire the services to revise the gas dynamics model for adaptation to three sea turtle species and run the model simulation and provide a project report.  The contractor will characterize the natural diving physiology of three sea turtle species (leatherback, loggerhead and green turtle) by adapting a previously published model that estimates concentrations of blood and tissue gases (nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide).  Adaptation of the model will require an extensive literature review to identify relevant input parameters, incorporation of dive data collected by the researchers and their collaborators, and sensitivity analyses to evaluate model function.  These results will be used to compare model estimates of tissue and blood gas parameters from the different species to assess how body size and dive behavior may influence risk of DCS.  The anticipated work product will investigate for the first time the possible relationship between species, size, and DCS.  Moreover, adaptation of the model to sea turtles will provide a valuable tool that can be improved and modified based on future discoveries.  

 The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), Only one responsible source.

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 541990 with a business size standard of $16.5 million.   

This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, nor will one be posted on Contract Opportunities. 

Although a determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.  However, if any interested party believes that it is capable of meeting the requirements, and in an effort to comply with the requirements outlined in FAR 5.102, a firm may request an electronic copy of the solicitation from the Contract Specialist, Wendy Culbreth ([email protected]). 

All electronic correspondence shall have the subject line read:  1305M2-20-02751 – Sea Turtle Gas Modeling.

All responsible sources may submit a Capability Statement and/or a quote in accordance with the solicitation, which shall be considered by the agency if received on or before 11.59 PM EST on August 14, 2020.  The Capability Statement must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. 

The notice will remain open from July 31, 2020 to August 14, 2020.