***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 Wendy Szaniszlo of Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada for assisting the National Marine Fisheries Service in conducting surveys of both Stellar Sea Lions and Gray Whales off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requirement for surveys of Stellar Sea Lions and Gray Whales off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Ms. Szaniszlo has been doing this survey from 2006-2019, and the consistency of results is imperative. Another contractor would have a different way of conducting the survey, which would compromise the data and results that we have already collected. The period of performance is from July 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020.

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet 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.