POSTED DATE: March 1, 2012 SUBJECT: Continuation of Russian English Interpreter Service on the US-Russian Polar Bear Commission and Scientific Working Group MeetingsThis announcement constitutes the only notice. This is not a request for quotes.A determination not to compete is solely within the discretion of the Government. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Responses must be received no later than 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 7th, 2012 by sending an e-mail to
[email protected]; however, any technical data received will be for the sole purpose of market research for future requirements. Under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), Fish & Wildlife Services, Region 7 Contracting and General Services intends to issue a sole source, firm-fixed price order to:COMPANIES: Marian Bell (Duns No. 127276231) and Olga Romanenko (Duns No. 081928348) FOR : Translation and Interpretation ON: March 7th, 2012 NAICS: 541930 AUTHORITY: 13.106(b) Soliciting from a single source Determinations not to compete this proposed procurement were made because:This is a continuation of the Scientific Working Group and Commission meetings, these meetings are following on service of work done under the US-Russia Agreement. Services have included oral interpretation and written translation of previous correspondence of the Commission and Scientific Working Group. The primary source has been used since the implementation of the US-Russia Agreement began in 2008. We require someone who has experience translating on the topic of polar bear biology. The service will be performed in Anchorage, AK, on pre-established dates/times. The sensitivity of negotiations under this Agreement requires familiarity with the history of the Agreement, the individuals involved in Russia and the US who are implementing the Agreement, and the biology of polar bears. By having someone on board who is already knowledgeable with the material at hand and the personnel, it greatly enhances our ability to effectively implement the Agreement as required by law. Maintaining continuity in interpreters and translators greatly facilitates the effectiveness of our work and communications. These sources have been working as interpreters and translators since the inception of this Agreement. They have the extensive experience needed to best facilitate negotiations and effective implementation of this Agreement. Background: In 2000, the US and Russia signed into action the Agreement Between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on the Conservation and Management of the Alaska Chukotka Polar Bear Population. In 2007, Congress passed legislation to allow the implementation of this agreement. Since 2008, the US-Russia Polar Bear Commission and supporting Scientific Working Group have been meeting annually, as outlined in the Agreement, to combine efforts to manage and conserve the Alaska-Chukotka (Chukchi-Bering Seas) polar bear population. In 2012, it is the US=BFs turn to host both the Commission and Scientific Working Group meetings. Documents prepared for and from these meetings will require English to Russian and Russian to English translation. Oral interpretation services are needed at both the Scientific Working Group and Commission meetings. Additionally, interpreters are needed to facilitate communication prior to the meeting as we jointly prepare agendas, invitations, and transportation. The continuation of interpretation service and knowledge on the subject is essential for the continued development and smooth transition of the Scientific Working Group and Commission meetings, these sources are equipped and up to date on all transition planning, collective materials, and policies. For more information contact Millie Cortes at 907-786-3409 or
[email protected] or Kathy Smiley at 907-786-3616.