MODIFICATION/AMENDMENT 01 IS HEREBY ISSUED TO CANCEL THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY. 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 Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) to assist in sampling program using Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel (CPFV) Fleet. Under proposed project SAC will help coordinate placement of NOAA personnel on existing charters when space is available and when space on existing trips is not available or adequate to meet the research needs, SAC will coordinate a charter based on guidance from NOAA personnel. NOAA personnel will help coordinate any charters and determine what vessels and trip durations are appropriate. The actual time and vessels used will vary based on direction from NOAA personnel The extensive CPFV fleet, based out of San Diego, provides a unique platform to collect valuable biological data on a range high migratory species (HMS) listed in the Pacific Fisheries Management Council HMS management plan. This contract for vessel time is a continuation of the biological sampling program and falls within a larger program to develop an ecosystems approach to management as called for under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This notice represents the only official notice. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. It is the Government's belief that only Sportfishing Association of California can complete the work and provide the deliverables under this contract. However, firms that believe they can provide the services required in this project that 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. Questions concerning this announcement must be emailed to Maria Mendoza at
[email protected] or faxed at (206)527-7513. This is a simplified acquisition.