93 -- Analysis of Satellite Tag Attachment Device

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with TracPac, Inc. in Fort Walton Beach, Florida to provide deployment and analysis of a new satellite tag attachment device for the assessment of health, animal movements, and remote sensing of the environment. NOAA Fisheries uses satellite attachments to the dorsal fins of cetaceans to evaluate stocks, migration patterns, health and risk parameters, and evaluate the environment in which these animals reside. The objectives are to evaluate the effectiveness of a new tag attachment package that will use tags with a single-point release mechanism for a satellite-linked transmitter pack to be deployed to the dorsal fin of bottlenose dolphins. Notwithstanding the Government’s intent to negotiate this requirement on a sole source basis under the authority of 41 USC 253 ( c) (1), responsible sources may submit a statement of qualifications which, if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. Responses must be received by June 29, 2006. Award will be made using simplified acquisition procedures.