4.03b Sole Source - Hydrographic Training_REDACTED.pdf

Source Selection Information See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

O&MN

Total

Describe in detail why only this source can furnish the requirements to the exclusion of other sources. (what specific characteristics of the supplies or services limit the availability to a sole source (e.g., unique features, function of the item, etc.)?)

A patent, copyright or proprietary data limits competition.

The contractor must be able to provide expert level training in the following areas: data collection with the Norbit multi -beam Echosounder and Norbit terrestrial LiDar (light detection and ranging) using a vessel of opportunity AND the Otter Unmanned Surface Vehicle; data collection with the Edgetech side scan sonar systems; HyPack data acquisition and processing software;

PosPac software for post processing of GPS/GNSS and motion data; expert training in use and processing of ancillary data collection dev

The course cannot be completed without these services. Norbit US ltd, offers an on-site hydrographic surveyor training course that consists of multi-beam theory, vessel mobilization, survey planning and execution, and practical application of theory during data collection and analysis culminating in a comprehensive survey project. Norbit US ltd is the only source that can provide this training. They are the manufacturer of the primary survey equipment owned by NIWTG-G.

This hydrographic survey training must be conducted by the manufacturer of NIWTG-G equipment (it is proprietary in nature) and is through training of partner nations by their attendance in the International Hydrographic Management and Engineering Program (IHMEP). IHMEP is a course that is owned by NMOC, facilitated by NIWTG-G, and attended by Naval Officers of partner nations and Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) personnel. The Hydrographic Survey Training course, provided by Norbit US ltd, makes up approximately a nine (9) week portion of the overall training program. Upon completion of this program, the student receives a and side scan sonar and terrestrial hydrographic LiDar for conducting survey operations. More importantly, it provides students with skills and experiences through intense application of concepts and the highest standards of hydrographic survey work.

Other information to support a sole source action:

Market research shows that Norbit US, LTD. is the only vendor currently known that can offer the required training on-site and in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) during the specified dates.

Through market research, it was found that there are other potential sources that could offer similar training, but none can meet the full requirement. NIWTG-G searched the web for vendors who have offered the type of training in the past and concluded that they no longer offer the similar type of training and/or their credentials are outdated. One of these such vendors is Fugro Academy Training Centre - while they still conduct training, they no longer offer it to the public and only offer the training to Fugro employees.

Additionally, IIC Academy currently offers hydrographic survey training through 21 weeks of remote learning and 7 weeks practical at a location of their determination, which varies throughout the world. CIDCO is another company offering a full Cat B course, via distance learning culminating in an onsite survey project in Quebec, Canada. Additionally, CIDCO, states they are certified to the S5 standard, which has been superseded 10 years ago. As in previous years of research, SkillTrade still advertises a course at their site but they too have let their credentials lapse by approximately 10 years. Hydrometrica continues to offer high-level theoretical multibeam training, which does not meet our requirement. While all give (5) of these sources offer some form of the required training, they do so at their sites, or their certifications are outdated. None of them are capable of providing all requirements that are stated in the PWS.

Based on market research, Norbit USA ltd. is the only vendor capable of providing the necessary training during the specified timeframe.

Source Selection Information See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

Document number: N0006524RC006AD

I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROCESSING OF THIS SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION PRECLUDES THE

USE OF FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION.

I HEREBY DETERMINE THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CONTRACT ACTION DEEM ONLY ONE SOURCE REASONABLY AVAILABLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).