Carolina Heelsplitter and Tar Spinymussel Surveys, Threat Assessment and Habitat Suitability Survey

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) intends to award a sole source contract to The Catena Group Inc. Hillsborough, North Carolina. This acquisition is required to support Region 4 Ecological Services, Asheville Field Office with the development of conservation activities of the Carolina heelsplitter and Tar spinyMussel. This project will require the contractor to work with Ecological Service to prioritize and complete surveys and threat analysis for preventing the extinction of the Carolina heelsplitter and Tar spinyMussel, two critically-imperiled species. There is no solicitation. A determination not to compete this proposed contract has been made Pursuant to 41 U.S. C. 253(c)(1), as implemented by 6.302-1, this requirement has been justified and approved in accordance with FAR 6.303 and FAR 6.304. It is the Government's belief that this requirement can only be met by The Catena Group. The Catena Group has the unique capabilities to meet the agency needs because they have the extensive experience working with the species and the required federal and state permits for conducting surveys for Carolina heelsplitter and Tar spinyMussel. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NEITHER A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION NOR A FORMAL SOLICITATION OF OFFERS. All inquiries and concerns must be addressed in writing to the e-mail address stated herein, Attn: Artela Jacobs. Inquiries to this notice must be received by 3:30 pm local time on August 21, 2009. Please include your name, point of contact, address, area code, telephone number and facsimile number. Telephone requests will not be accepted. Inquiries can be e-mailed to [email protected]. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.