The U.S. Government intends to award a sole source, firm‑fixed‑price contract to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, UEI: MCJELYLLX5B6 for the procurement of Environmental Review and Data Acquisition Services.

NRCS is obligated by state and federal law and internal policy (NRCS General Manual, Title 190, Part 410.22(E)) to conduct environmental reviews of its proposed actions. During environmental reviews, regulatory agencies identify measures to avoid or minimize impacts to federal and state listed species and habitats. The information that is received by regulatory agencies is incorporated into conservation plans to ensure NRCS customers do not violate any rules or regulations. The reviews are consistent across the state and are done in an expedited manner. We request this service to expedite the review and implementation of conservation plans. This is not a new service but an existing service that is consistent with prior agreements. Under this request we are also seeking to receive spatial datasets for sensitive resources.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) is the state authority for all declining, rare, threatened, and endangered plants and animals, significant wildlife habitats, essential wildlife habitats, and rare and exemplary natural communities. MDIFW provides a unique service in that the agency is able to provide Maine NRCS with these sensitive spatial datasets. Similarly, the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife have the authority to comment on and provide statutory rules that apply to the implementation of conservation plans. There are no other sources that maintain and track these sensitive resources or have the authority to comment on State of Maine sensitive resources.

Based on this information, the Government intends to award this action under the authority of FAR 6.302‑1, as applicable, because only one responsible source is capable of meeting the agency’s needs in the required timeframe.

This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties who believe they can meet the Government’s requirements may submit a capability statement demonstrating technical expertise, product equivalency, and the ability to deliver all required specifications. Any responses received will be considered solely for determining whether a competitive procurement is appropriate. If no responses are received within the specified posting period, the Government will proceed with the intended sole source award to MDIFW.