URGENT AND COMPELLING JUSTIFICATION, SINGLE SOURCE, FOR EMERGENCY SEAWATER CHILLER REPAIRS

This federal document is a Justification for Urgency (J&A) under FAR 6.302-2, detailing NOAA Fisheries' intent to issue a single-source, emergency award to MacDonald-Miller for the immediate repair of an 80-ton York brand chiller at the Manchester Research Station. The $55,000 firm-fixed-price project requires the contractor to replace three faulty compressors on circuit #2, recover and recharge refrigerant, and restore full cooling capacity within 10 days of the Notice to Proceed. The urgency is driven by a recent malfunction that reduced the facility's chilling capacity to 50%. The Manchester Research Station relies on a continuous supply of chilled seawater (below 5 degrees Celsius) to sustain millions of dollars worth of marine fish, including critical sablefish broodstock. Any delay past the July 20, 2026 delivery date would result in catastrophic fish mortality, devastating long-term aquaculture research, tribal and industry partnerships, and federal investments. Due to the emergency, market research was limited to a known, capable contractor with immediate mobilization capabilities and proximity to the site. Expanded competition was deemed unfeasible, as it would jeopardize mission continuity and animal welfare. Normal competitive procurement procedures will resume once the urgent repairs are completed and facility operations are stabilized.