From the notice

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE NOAA's Marine Operations Center, Acquisition, Accountability, and Analysis Branch, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, with The Pacific Pilotage Association of Canada for Maritime Pilot services during transit through the Canadian Inside Passage. Certified Maritime Pilots maintain a broad knowledge of local waterborne and navigational hazards; navigational routes and traffic patterns, and other local hazards presenting potential issues to marine egress. Sole Source Justification The sole source determination is based on NOAA vessels occasionally transiting through certain waterways which present or may contain specific waterborne hazards or navigational complexities. In the event that NOAA vessels rarely transit these waterways, command can choose to mitigate risk by hiring local certified maritime pilots which maintain specialized knowledge and certifications. Certification requirements for maritime pilots can include having a minimum number of days on a specific local coast as a Master, or a combination of time periods serving as both a Master and holding a Watchkeeping Mate’s certificate, or a specific time frame on a local coast holding a Watchkeeping Mate’s certificate. Maritime Pilots are hired through specific pilot associations, typically maintained near complex shipping routes or hazardous waterways around the world. Special Notice This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes and no solicitation package is available.

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