The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Production and Conservation Business Center (FPAC-BC) intends to negotiate and award a contract, on a sole source basis, to North Carolina State University to procure professional services for lab testing on coastal zone, coastal waters, and adjacent shorelands.

This is considered a sole source because the specific research conducted by North Carolina State University in conjunction with a cooperative agreement, (Award Identifying Number NR213A750025C013) provided the necessary initial sampling in the region and timeframe required to provide accurate scientific results. Duplicating the research efforts to award to another source would be excessive additional training, time, and cost to the government, which is not in the best interest of the government.

The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) for this acquisition is 541380.

This notice of intent is not a request for quote/proposal. Any interested party that believes it is capable of meeting the USDA’s requirement described herein may identify themselves and must provide evidence of their capability to fulfill the requirement being requested by 1:00 PM ET on September 13, 2023. Responses must be submitted in writing to julie.gavin@usda.gov no later than the time and date noted above. Telephone responses and requests will not be received.

A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.