BUILD AN ACROPORID FIELD, LAND BASED CULTURE FACILITY AT THE CARIBBEAN MARINE BIOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

The NMFS intends to award a sole source purchase order to Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (CZA) Sexual Coral Reproduction (SECORE) Curacao Field Aquarium Culture Laboratory in Powell, OH to build an acroporid field, land-based culture facility at the Caribbean Marine Biological Institute (CARMABI), Curacao, Netherlands Antilles and collect elkhorn coral gametes from Rincon, PR for distribution to several zoo and aquaria in the SECORE network. SECORE is a unique international partnership of more than 50 public aquaria, zoos, and marine scientists worldwide. It focuses its conservation efforts on the sexual reproduction of coral through developing ex situ breeding techniques and establishing breeding programs to help sustain ex situ and field populations. The CARMABI is the SECORE member institution responsible for financial facilitation for the partnership. CZA is the only known institution through which funds can be transferred to support the partnership's projects. SECORE is the only know institutions that have successfully and repeatedly reared acroporid corals from larvae in aquaria. The methods they utilize to collect and rear the corals is considered proprietary. Elknorn and staghorn corals were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in May 2006. The anticipated performance period is from date of award through twelve consecutive months thereafter. The proposed contract action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received within seven (7) calendar days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which shall be considered by the agency. Interested firms shall include, in writing, the company name, address, point of contact, telephone number, and business size; a statement regarding their capabilities and qualifications, and any additional supporting literature. Submissions received in response to this notice shall be evaluated based on the technical ability and demonstrated past experience to meet the requirements described in the description section above. Interested parties can send requests to the attention of Sharon Walker, at fax number 816-274-6983. Vendor must provide a DUNS number (http://www.dnb.com/us/ ) and register with the Central Contractors Registration (http://www.ccr.gov/ ).