The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking approval for a contract with Colibri Ecological Consulting, LLC to provide essential image analysis services for the North Breton Island Restoration Project. This project, initiated in 2020, aims to restore habitats impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill for various bird species. The contract, valued at approximately $115,500, will involve analyzing aerial imagery captured during the 2024 nesting season to document breeding bird populations and nesting success.
The justification for limiting competition hinges on Colibri's unique expertise and established methodologies, which are crucial for maintaining consistency with existing data from other restoration projects in Louisiana. The document emphasizes that no other provider can meet the specific quality and requirements necessary for effective monitoring. Market research indicated that opting for a different contractor could compromise data interoperability and increase costs.
The procurement process aims to ensure that deliverables, including a comprehensive database and final report, align with project standards, facilitating long-term monitoring and evaluation efforts. The goal is to ensure the effective restoration of the barrier island ecosystem while safeguarding the interests of the government. This document serves as a formal justification for the use of limited-source procedures as outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
The document outlines the intent of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), specifically the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) division, to award a sole source firm fixed price contract to Colibri Ecological Consulting, LLC, for ecological analysis on North Breton Island. The firm will conduct manual markings and analyses using high-resolution images, with an anticipated contract performance period from March 1 to April 30, 2025. The solicitation is categorized under NAICS code 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services) and is designated as a small business procurement. No competitive proposals will be solicited; however, other interested parties can submit their capabilities in meeting the specified requirements. All inquiries related to this notice should be directed to Lamont Sawyers via email before the closing date of February 14, 2025. This sole-source approach indicates a strategic decision by the agency, reflecting the specialized expertise of the selected contractor and the specific requirements of the project.