R--Intent to Award - USGS Samples NADP-NTN Site NY99

USGS Precipitation Sample Collection at NADP-NTN Site NY99

The USGS is seeking the procurement of the operation of NADP/NTN wet atmospheric monitoring station designated site NY99. The contractor is to operate a field located precipitation collection station, on a weekly basis, as part of the USGS National Trends Network (NTN), in accordance with instructions described in the Operations Manuals (provided). Perform all the functions described in the Manuals. In the laboratory, perform the required measurements, complete the Reporting Form, package the sample, and ship it to the laboratory via FedEx 2nd Day Air, using USGS provided prepaid mailers.

The period of Performance will be for a 12-month base period, plus four (4) 12-month option periods.

The entire NADP network contracts with the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), and site operators deal directly with key personnel at WSLH regarding site specifications and maintenance, their performance, site operations, checking of data contained in the Reports Form, arranging for provision of needed replacement parts and when necessary, guidance and training. As appropriate, a WSLH employee or the site operator can contact the USGS directly for assistance or guidance.

The USGS is aware of no other source that can provide the above. Therefore, it intends to make an award to Black Rock Forest Consortium, unless it is contacted by any who believes they can provide the same service. Vendors are invited to contact the Contract Specialist, Miranda Blankenship via email at miranda_blankenship@ios.doi.gov no later than 12:00PM EST, Wednesday, March 17, 2026, with an affirmative answer.

Sole Source Justification States the Following Part:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Water Mission Area, Observing Systems Division, Hydrologic Networks Branch requests a Firm-Fixed-Price sole source contract. The acquisition is to provide atmospheric deposition station operation services for a cooperatively supported station between the USGS, the site owner, and operator in support of the interagency National Atmospheric Deposition Program, National Trends Network (NADP-NTN).

Operation of a NADP/NTN wet atmospheric monitoring station. Operation requires weekly site visits to NADP site NY99 to collect, process, and ship the precipitation sample, collect, process and transmit associated data with the site including the precipitation gage record and perform routine instrument checks, maintenance and repairs as needed.

Station: Black Rock Forest (NY99)
Location: Orange County, New York
Period of Performance: 12-month base period plus four 12-month option periods.
Latitude 41.4148 Longitude -74.0126 Elevation 211 meters

The NADP site NY99 is on land owned by Black Rock Forest Consortium and is in a private and restricted access research area. Some equipment is owned by the USGS and other equipment essential to operating the site such as platforms, electrical power service, access paths, fences, sample processing field laboratory building and roads at the site are owned and maintained by Black Rock Forest Consortium. Supporting this site requires 52 trips per year to this location, in rural and very remote areas on land and at scientific research areas that are not open to the public or open to weekly visits by other individuals that have not been granted approval by the University research station. In no case does the USGS own the land or have control over who has site access.

The primary reason the USGS is not operating this site is because, despite having offices in every state with multiple field offices in most states, we do not have the means or permission to access this site. It is cost prohibitive to USGS to operate this site therefore, USGS is funding scientific activity and the sponsoring organization maintains control of the site access. USGS offices operate several sites
where we do have the means and access to site locations, but the list of sites where we seek sole source awards are the "partnership" site locations where we do not have the means and permission to access the sites. A competitive action would imply that we could unilaterally remove the land-owning and operating organizations or individuals from this activity and replacing them with another entity. Since
these multi-decade long research and monitoring sites are not under the ownership and control of the USGS, the USGS is funding the scientific activity.