INTENT TO AWARD TO A SINGLE SOURCE - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SINGLE-SOURCE CONTRACT

Special Notice: FD-2025-397

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The sole source determination is firmly established by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Zoological Pathology Program (ZPP CVM UI) as the singularly qualified provider for the Louisiana Marine Mammal Stranding Network Enhancement Project, as substantiated in this public posting. No other entity possesses the unique combination of capabilities, expertise, and proven track record required for this critical work. The ZPP CVM UI, led by board-certified veterinary pathology staff with Ph.D. expertise in comparative pathology and over 15 years of experience, is staffed by internationally recognized leaders in marine mammal pathology. These experts have an unmatched history of leading pivotal investigations, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill’s impact on cetaceans and the 2019 Gulf of Mexico Unusual Mortality Event. The program’s long-standing partnership with the Louisiana Marine Mammal Stranding Network ensures irreplaceable continuity of data, which is paramount for preserving the scientific integrity and consistency of ongoing research. While marine Brucella PCR testing capabilities exist elsewhere, the ZPP CVM UI’s exceptional expertise, coupled with the unmatched quality, precision, and reliability of its diagnostic processes, distinguishes it as the only program capable of meeting the project’s rigorous demands. The ZPP CVM UI’s extensive work establishing baseline health conditions for Gulf cetaceans further cements its unique ability to deliver consistent, high-caliber results. No other provider can replicate the ZPP CVM UI’s specialized capabilities, depth of expertise, or proven history of excellence, making it the definitive choice to ensure the success of this NOAA-funded project without risk of delays or compromise to scientific rigor.

A Sole Source Action for diagnostic testing and expertise in test interpretation of stranded cetacean cases submitted by the Louisiana Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

The work is to be conducted from Award - 09/06/2026

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.