Opportunity: Advancing Innovation for Addressing Rapid 'Ohi'a D

This notice is in accordance with FAR Subpart 5.2, Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Interior Business Center (IBC), Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD), is the contracting office for this acquisition. The purpose of this notice is to announce the intent to award a firm fixed price type of Purchase Order on a sole source basis to Conservation X Labs, PBC (DUNS: 080287891) in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). The U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Native Hawaiian Relations (ONHR) and National Invasive Species Council (NISC) has a requirement to obtain technical support services from Conservation X Lab to utilize a dedicated invasive species practice area on the Conservation X Labs¿ Digital Maker Space (DMS), including infrastructure for discussion and ideation by Communities of Practice within the DMS on a Rapid 'Ohi'a Death (ROD) challenges and solutions, and curation of that discussion. The Conservation X Labs shall also assist the ONHR and NISC-SEC with posting the ROD Innovation Challenge on the DMS platform, perpetuate and guide the discussions within the innovation community. The anticipated cost for this acquisition is $100,000. Conservation X Labs is the sole developer and manager of the DMS that will host this project and has a working knowledge of the NISC-SEC¿s technology innovation agenda, of which the ROD Innovation Challenge is an outgrowth. Conservation X Labs also served on the 2016 Innovation Summit Planning Committee, contributed moderators and speakers to the event, and led production of the summit report, which is the contributing factor to utilize the organization¿s DMS on a Rapid 'Ohi'a Death (ROD) challenges and solutions. The organization is well-positioned to use peer-networks, crowd sourcing, and social media to reach out and engage experts in the ROD Innovation Challenge, as well as leverage additional resources to make the ROD Innovation Challenge successful. There are no other known small business research organizations that possess the unique capabilities needed by ONHR and NISC-SEC for administering the ROD Innovation Challenge utilizing their DMS on-line technology challenge platform for invasive species. It is anticipated that Purchase Order will be awarded on or before April 20, 2018 with a 12 month period of performance. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 813312. This is NOT a request for competitive quotes. This notice of intent is for informational purposes only. However, all responsible sources may submit interest on this opportunity that maybe considered by the agency if received by the Point of Contact (POC) listed in the synopsis by 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 16, 2018 (reference Solicitation No. 140D0418Q0252). A determination by the Government not to compete this action based on this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Point of Contact: Sagar S. Damania, Contracting Officer, IBC/AQD, Division 5 ¿ Branch 1, 381 Elden Street Suite 4000, Herndon, VA 20170. Any response to this notice must be emailed to sagar_damania@ibc.doi.gov.