Intent to Sole Source.docx

NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SOLE-SOURCE BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD) and the Office of Marine and Aviation Operation (OMAO), using the procedures set forth in FAR Part 13.5, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Oregon State University located at 4700 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333 for a firm-fixed price contract to acquire access to Cruise Observations Real-time Interface and Open Live Information eXchange (CORIOLIX). A Limited Source Justification will be posted as an amendment to this notice at a later date. A draft Statement of Need is included with this intent to allow Contractors to review NOAA’s needs.

OMAO uses a system called the Scientific Computing System (SCS) for data acquisition, but SCS requires additional purpose-built tools and services to access, visualize, monitor, and manage data and metadata in real-time from the ship and from shore. This includes mechanisms for shoreside technical support to monitor data quality, manage metadata for scientific sensors and systems, and to provide troubleshooting and evaluation of data in real-time. The existing SCS system cannot be expanded to encompass all of the additional requirements that are needed. CORIOLIX is the only system that is compatible with the SCS that is capable of providing the additional features needed that are not currently available in the SCS.

The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 541512 Computer Systems Design Services which has a size standard of $34M. This notice does not constitute a solicitation - a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or an Invitation for Bid (IFB) - and it does not restrict the Government in any way regarding its ultimate acquisition approach. However, if any other interested party believes that it can meet the requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities, which if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. Evidence must be provided of ability to provide the required services. The capability statement and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to Contract Specialist Elizabeth Eichelberger at Elizabeth.Eichelberger@noaa.gov by 12:00 PM EST on April 12, 2024.