B--Notice of Intent To Issue Sole Source Contract

The Omaha District, US Army Corps of Engineers intend to issue a Sole Source Contract to State of South Dakota, Games, Fish and Parks Department, under the authority to FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 924120 Administration of Conservation Programs for the following requirement: Scientific Support Activities related to Pallid Sturgeon on the Missouri River between Fort Randall Dam and the Missouri River confluence with the Big Sioux River in the states of South Dakota and Nebraska. It is anticipated that the Government will issue an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract NTE $5M; period of performance: - five year period. The State agency will be required to perform the following services: Pallid Sturgeon Population Assessment: Biological surveys for pallid sturgeon and other native fish species and habitat data collection will be conducted in accordance with the most current guiding documents for Pallid Sturgeon Population Assessment and Missouri River Standard Operating Procedures for Fish Sampling and Data Collection. All data are recorded on standardized data sheets and followed by implementing a variety of QA/QC procedures. B) Pallid Sturgeon Propagation: The Corps has the responsibility to work cooperatively with the USFWS to capture, hold and spawn broodstock annually. The Corps is responsible for a portion of the annual stocking identified as the Average annual shortfall in the 2000 Opinion and 2003 Amendment to the 2000 Opinion. This component provides support for propagation and population augmentation activities associated with annual stocking goals for pallid sturgeon. Activities associated with pallid sturgeon propagation include broodstock collection, sexing, and transport; egg staging and spawning; tagging; and stocking. An annual summary report that is in accordance with a standardized format will be submitted highlighting the propagation activities. C) Aquatic Habitat Assessment and Monitoring: For the benefit of pallid sturgeon, the Corps, through management actions or site-level projects, creates and then monitors aquatic habitat in the channelized segment of the Missouri River. The State agency will be responsible for assessing improvements/changes in the physical habitat characteristics associated with the channelized river, and the biological response to those habitat changes. All data are recorded on standardized data sheets and followed by implementing a variety of QA/QC procedures. An Annual Report that summarizes each years data collection efforts is required. The contractor is also required to attend meetings and trainings directly associated with assessment and monitoring activities; it is estimated that there will be five total occurrences. All sampling must be consistent with the most recent version of the guiding document for Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Assessment and Monitoring, Pallid Sturgeon Population Assessment Project and Missouri River Standard Operating Procedures for Fish Sampling and Data Collection documents. Scientific Studies: To support learning and progress towards recovery of the pallid sturgeon, certain research activities are required to improve understanding, identify relationships, and resolve knowledge gaps for pallid biology and ecology. Data collection and research study design and analysis may be conducted to address high priority information needs for pallid sturgeon in the middle basin of the Missouri River. These needs are identified, in part, under four categories Early Life Stages, Habitat, Reproduction, and Population Assessment. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. All interested, capable and qualified firms are encouraged to reply within fifteen days of publication of this announcement. This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive proposal and no solicitation will be issued. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement. All information submitted within the timeframe will be considered. POC Wanda Carter-Davis 402 995-2059 or email [email protected].