F--Intent to Sole Source to Utah Department of Wildlife Resources

The Bureau of Reclamation intends to negotiate a sole-sourced award under FAR 13.501 with the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources for implementation of the Utah Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan which includes placing additional personnel at the following water bodies: Deer Creek, Jordanelle, Rockport, Utah Lake, Willard Bay, Strawberry, East Canyon, Flaming Gorge, Pineview, Huntington North, Scofield and Lake Powell. The personnel will inspect for invasive species, decontaminate boats and other equipment and provide education to the public. The period of performance for this contract will be May 30, 2016 through March 30, 2017. Reclamation is mandated by Executive Order 13112 dated February 3, 1999 to prevent the introduction of invasive species and provide for their control and to minimize the economic, ecological, and human health impacts that invasive species cause. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) implements the Utah Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management Plan. This plan strives to prevent mussel invasions into those waters that are not presently contaminated with AIS and prevent the export of AIS from those waters where studies have shown possible invasions. UDWR has been given the responsibility for this effort within the State of Utah by the Utah Legislature. The UDWR¿s authority lies within the Aquatic Invasive Species Act http://www.le.state.ut.us/~code/code.htm 23-27-101 thru 401 and Rule R657-60 Aquatic Invasive Species Interdiction (http://wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/rules-regulations/986-r657-60--aquatic-invasive-species-interdiction.html) Rule R657-60-8 provides authority for UDWR¿s Director, in concurrence with the Executive Director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources and following consultation with the controlling entity of the water body, to issue a Closure Order regulating the introduction or removal of conveyances (e.g., a terrestrial or aquatic vehicle, including a vessel, or a vehicle part that may carry or contain a Dreissena mussel) and other equipment. Rule 657-60-9 provides for development of a Control Plan which has force of law, when approved by UDWR. The Control Plan may establish limits and duration for a Closure Order, and may negate need for Closure Order. No other vendor exists that has authority from the State of Utah to conduct this type of work. The Bureau of Reclamation has determined that the Utah AIS Management Plan is the best method at this time to prevent the costly infestation of mussels to Utah waters. Any firm that believes it could fulfill the Government need described herein must submit a capability statement to Lisa Hilton at [email protected] by close of business April 4, 2016 for consideration. However, the Contracting Officer reserves the right to make the final decision on source selection in the best interest of the Government.