ContractPresolicitation

Non-personal Services C++ Programming

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE• 143041-26-0066
Response Deadline
Jun 3, 2026
14 days left
Days Remaining
14
Until deadline
Set-Aside
Full & Open
Notice Type
Presolicitation

Contract Opportunity Analysis

The Department of Commerce’s NOAA, through the Northwest Fisheries Science Center, is seeking non-personal C++ programming support to continue development of the custom COMPASS model used to predict how dam and reservoir operations affect juvenile salmon and steelhead survival and passage in the Columbia River system. The work includes completing the graphical user interface, finishing the adult passage module, expanding the model to capture travel time and survival in tributaries, and improving code speed and efficiency, with additional option-year enhancements for fall Chinook life history and the Columbia River estuary. The requirement calls for a senior C++ programmer with fish ecology knowledge, and the work is centered in Seattle, Washington, with a base year beginning in fiscal year 2026-2027 and option years extending the effort through September 30, 2029. This is a presolicitation for a sole-source award to Valinor Labs, LLC; no solicitation package is available, and firms that believe they can fully meet the requirement may submit written substantiating information to the listed NOAA contacts before the SAM posting deadline, with award currently anticipated in June 2026.

Classification Codes

NAICS Code
513210
Software Publishers
PSC Code
DA10
IT AND TELECOM - BUSINESS APPLICATION/APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE

Solicitation Documents

2 Files
Statement of Work 143041-26-0066.pdf
PDF•154 KB•May 19, 2026
AI Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) Fish Ecology (FE) Division requires a senior C++ Programmer to modify and enhance the Comprehensive Passage (COMPASS) model. This model predicts the effects of dam and reservoir operations on juvenile salmon and steelhead survival in the Columbia River. The project, outlined across a base year (2026-2027) and two option years, involves several key tasks. The base year focuses on completing a user-friendly graphical interface, developing an adult passage module to account for upstream migration and dam passage, expanding the model to include travel time and survival in tributaries, and improving code efficiency. Option years will further expand COMPASS features, including the life history of fall Chinook and extending the model to the Columbia River estuary, while continuing to improve efficiency and usability. This initiative is crucial for ongoing life cycle modeling and supports decision-making in hydropower operations and salmon and steelhead management.
Sole Source Justification 143041-26-0066_Redacted.pdf
PDF•145 KB•May 19, 2026
AI Summary
The Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office, and National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) require a senior C++ programmer for the custom NOAA-built Comprehensive Passage (COMPASS) model. This single-source determination, under simplified acquisition procedures, identifies Valinor Labs, LLC, specifically a principal programmer, due to their unique expertise. The programmer was an original developer of COMPASS, possesses over 30 years of C++ experience, and has ecological knowledge crucial for the model's application. They are also willing to work part-time, which aligns with agency needs, as the NWFSC lacks resources to mentor less experienced full-time staff. The contract, from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2029, involves developing a graphical user interface, improving model efficiency, conducting maintenance, and expanding its capabilities. Market research confirms that senior C++ programmers with specialized experience in Seattle command high salaries, justifying the need for a uniquely qualified contractor.

Related Contract Opportunities

Project Timeline

postedOriginal Solicitation PostedMay 19, 2026
deadlineResponse DeadlineJun 3, 2026
expiryArchive DateJun 18, 2026

Agency Information

Department
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Sub-Tier
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
Office
DEPT OF COMMERCE NOAA

Point of Contact

Name
Grace LaPierre

Place of Performance

Seattle, Washington, UNITED STATES

Official Sources

View on SAM.gov