Single Source Determination - NWS Climatological Weather Observations_Redacted.pdf

Version 2.0

SINGLE SOURCE DETERMINATION USING

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES (SAP)

FOR AN ACTION NOT EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

(AUTHORITY: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1))

Identification Number: 142010-25-0083

Project Name: Climatological Weather Observations and Maintaining a Climatological Record at the

Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center located in Milton, MA

1. Agency and contracting activity. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), Western Acquisition Division (WAD) and the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) – Eastern Region.

2. Description of supplies or services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value).

The NWS Eastern Region has a requirement for climatological weather observations and services.

The scope of services includes weather observations and maintaining a climatological record at the Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center located in Milton, MA.

The total estimated value of this requirement is for one (1) 12-month base period and one (1) 12-month option period commencing on the date of award. The Government anticipates awarding a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) purchase order.

3. Identification of the single source or the brand name to be solicited.

Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center Inc. (UEI: DDH4CKS8CQD3) 1 Observatory Service RD Milton, MA, 02186 POC: Don McCasland, Operations Director

E-mail: dmccasland@bluehill.org

4. Supporting rationale. Only one source or brand name is reasonably available as detailed below:

Other - Only one source is capable:

Weather observations at the Blue Hill Observatory date back to 1885, making it the longest continuous observing site in New England. Observations are used by NWS forecasters conducting a weather watch and aid in weather warning services. Observations are also used by engineering interests to design infrastructure projects; understand energy consumption; and to plan for, design, and analyze systems having different performance characteristics under clear or overcast conditions. The site also maintains the longest standing record of snow depth data in the Boston Metro Area, which is needed to monitor flooding potential in the spring months. Weather observations at the Blue Hill Observatory are unique because of the site’s location and no other source can provide the required services.

Identification Number: 142010-25-0083

Since May 1999, the Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center has had a long-term agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to provide all public programming in the facility. Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center also provides the maintenance for the building and the grounds that surround it. Access to and from the building where observations are taken is controlled by the Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center and Massachusetts DCR. Accordingly, access to and from the observatory and instrument shelter is an issue, including issuance of passes, badges, separate keys for those areas of the building used by NWS, and security. Therefore, anyone other than an NWS employee or observer provided by the Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center will not be granted access.

This is a historical weather site that has existed at this location with very little change in condition dating back to 1885. This site must remain at this location and be staffed by personnel with authorized access to the facility in order to provide weather observations and a continuous climatological record that are of value to the NWS, NOAA or any other users of this data. Moving the site to any other location would invoke a change to the record that would cast doubt on its accuracy, usefulness and longevity, and result in a degradation of service and information of value to the science community. The observations must remain at this location to be of use and maintain a continuous record dating back to 1885 in pristine condition. Any other location would induce doubt or question into the record validity rendering it a questionable dataset for long-term climate trends. Long-term meteorological observations are of great importance as they serve the needs of current and future generations for long-term high quality climate records. Their continued future maintenance will ensure that these unique sources of consistent and contemporary information about atmospheric parameters serve as references of climate variability and changes assessments and as prerequisites for efficient climate services.

Additionally, in a letter dated January 29, 1999, Dr. William Minsinger, President of the Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center, expressed uneasiness at the prospect of non-NWS and Blue Hill personnel using its facilities. He expressed that letting other contractor personnel with which they are not familiar with into its land, facilities, etc., was not a feasible option.

Because of this, Dr. Minsinger also indicated the willingness of the Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center to obtain the contract themselves to take on the responsibilities of the observational work. Robert Thompson, Chair of the Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center’s Board of Directors, has since provided an updated letter explaining the organization’s sole source work over the last 26 years.

5. Market Research.

Market research was conducted to identify available sources and to evaluate the availability of services in the commercial marketplace to meet the requirements as discussed above. Based on the results of market research and the unique requirements of these services, the Government has determined that the Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center Inc. is the only source capable of providing the services.