Intent to Sole Source Native Plant Testing

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, intends to award a firm-fixed-price commercial services purchase order on a sole source basis to the Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno, UEI WLDGTNCFFJZ3 for native plant seed processing, testing, packaging, and controlled-environment storage services in support of the Seeds of Success program for the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

This notice is not a request for quotations or proposals.

The proposed contract action is for commercial services at or below the simplified acquisition threshold for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source, as implemented for commercial acquisitions by FAR Part 12. The Government requires a contractor to provide the full integrated requirement for receipt, cleaning, testing, packaging, tracking, and controlled-environment storage of native plant seed collections, including ARS backup sample preparation and related reporting.

Based on market research conducted by the Government, including a posted sources sought notice and direct outreach to potentially capable vendors, the Government believes the University of Nevada, Reno is the only responsible source reasonably available to meet the Government's requirement. All responsible sources that believe they can meet the requirement may submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to perform the full requirement.

Responses must be submitted electronically to oscar_orozco@ios.doi.gov no later than August 03, 2026. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses that do not clearly demonstrate the ability to satisfy the Government's full requirement may not be considered further.

Interested parties must submit sufficient written documentation that demonstrates their ability to provide the complete requirement described in this notice. Responses shall include, at a minimum, company name and address. Name, title, phone number, and email address of a point of contact. UEI and CAGE code. A clear explanation of the firm's ability to perform the full integrated requirement, including seed intake, cleaning, testing, ARS sample preparation, packaging, tracking, and controlled-environment storage.

Identification of all certifications, licenses, facilities, and technical capabilities relevant to this requirement. A description of relevant experience with native plant seed processing and storage, especially for Great Basin and Mojave Desert species. Identification of any subcontracted or outsourced elements of performance.