Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source subaward
January 7, 2022
Louisiana Sea Grant (LSG), through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), intends to administer a subaward contract for Programmatic Services in support of the Better Bycatch Reduction Project. LSG is requesting letters of interest from qualified firms, preferably in a Gulf of Mexico state.
Briefly, subrecipient shall administer and serve as executor and signatory for participation contracts with federal shrimp vessels during gear trials for new technology across the US Gulf of Mexico. Subrecipient shall also administer similar contracts with net makers and any other support necessary in the manufacture, installation, or maintenance of testing gear or vessel recruitment. All services shall be done using the subrecipient’s own personnel, facilities, and resources for all services. Subrecipient takes full responsibility for adhering to the terms and conditions of the subaward including risk analysis and continuous subrecipient monitoring. LSG, under Louisiana State University, is required to flow down all applicable prime agreement terms as well as federal rules and regulations to the subrecipients. All subrecipients who receive federal funds will be required to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at www.sam.gov.
All contracting terms, reporting, and monitoring expectations, etc. will be established by NOAA and LSG.
The initial performance period is expected to run from 1 April 2022 to 31 December 2023 (with potential for continuation in future phases). Performance will occur within the Coastal Gulf of Mexico and contractor’s office facilities. The contract will be cost-reimbursable invoiced as not-for-profit cost of major cost categories (salaries, supplies, etc.).
The project will be run in phases from testing (>20 entities) to initial roll out (>100 entities) with some phases running concurrently. Scope of work is anticipated to include, but not be limited to:
- Developing an application process for participation
- Determine eligibility of boats
- Contract with industry entities (boats, netmakers, etc.)
- Determine methodology, including delivery and types of verification, for incentives
- Certify and train personnel to perform verifications
- QA/QC of data from participants
- Develop assistance program for questions from applicants and participants
- Make decisions regarding non-compliance of contracts
Please submit a two-page letter of interest that includes evidence of experience, Gulf Coast coverage ability, and project capacity by Jan. 31, 2022, 5 pm CT. Selected entities will be asked for a full proposal in March 2022.
Letters of interest and questions may be e-mailed to Tiffany Pasco, [email protected].