INTENT TO AWARD - PHYTOPLANKTON ANALYSIS

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) intends to award a non-competitive Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract to PhycoTech, Inc., located in Saint Joseph, Michigan, for phytoplankton identification, enumeration, and biovolume sample analysis. The data will be delivered to the USGS New York Water Science Center in Troy, New York. The IDIQ will not exceed a quantity of 1,000 samples over a five-year period. The period of performance will 10/1/2024 to 9/30/2029.

PhycoTech Inc. is the only company capable of conducting the suite of sample analyses requested in a manner that can maintain the proper level of scientific integrity needed for the results for the NYWSC studies. The company has provided consistent data for several previous studies in New York since 2018. Long-term comparisons of algal communities require consistent data collection and analysis to reduce uncertainty (error) associated with sample collection, processing, and analysis.

Several algal (phytoplankton) studies have indicated that taxonomic differences in algal communities are subtle and therefore, it is imperative to maintain a high degree of comparability over the years with no loss in scientific integrity. In accordance with FAR 5.207, all responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal or quotation which shall be considered by the agency; however, THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS.

The Government intends to award this requirement noncompetitively in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). Email responses to kweaver@usgs.gov. The NAICS code is 541380.The size standard is $19.0 million.