JOFOC_-_UHDAS_Redacted_1.pdf

UHDAS is a specialized system developed and maintained exclusively by the University of Hawaii for the acquisition, processing, monitoring, and distribution of shipboard ADCP data.

The system incorporates proprietary software, processing algorithms, monitoring tools, and vessel-specific configurations that support automated ADCP data collection and quality assurance across the NOAA fleet.

UHDAS is currently installed and operational on NOAA vessels and is integrated with existing ADCP instrumentation, navigation sensors, and shipboard data workflows. The UHCG maintains the software, supporting infrastructure, documentation, and technical expertise required to install, configure, troubleshoot, update, and support the system. No other source possesses the same combination of system ownership, technical knowledge, operational experience, and access to the software and supporting infrastructure necessary to provide these services.

Failure to obtain these services from the University of Hawaii would jeopardize the continued operation and maintenance of UHDAS installations across the NOAA fleet, potentially disrupting the acquisition, processing, quality control, and archival of shipboard ocean current measurements that support NOAA scientific and operational missions. Transitioning to an alternative solution would require extensive evaluation, testing, cybersecurity review, approval, training, and operational validation before deployment, resulting in significant cost, schedule, and mission impacts.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as possible, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by RFO Part 5 and, if not, which exception under RFO Part 5 applies.

OMAO and MO conducted market research to identify potential sources capable of providing University of Hawaii Data Acquisition System (UHDAS) support services. As part of this effort, existing NOAA fleet installations, commercial capabilities, and available technical support providers were reviewed to assess the availability of qualified sources. A sources sought notice was not issued because market research confirmed that the University of Hawaii Currents Group is the sole developer and provider of UHDAS software and the associated technical support services.

In accordance with RFO Part 5.101(a), a Notice of Intent to Sole Source was synopsized on Contract Opportunities at SAM.gov on June 10, 2026, and remained open for 14 days. No capability statements or other responses were received. Based on the market research and the results of the notice, the Government is not aware of any other sources capable of meeting the requirement.

7. A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer will determine that the anticipated price will be fair and reasonable based on a review of the contractor's proposal, comparison to historical prices incurred under previous Cooperative Institute-supported UHDAS activities, and comparison to historical pricing for similar services. The Contracting Officer will evaluate proposed labor, travel, and other direct costs, as applicable, to ensure they are reasonable and consistent with the scope of work and current market conditions.

8. The market research conducted (see RFO Part 10) and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

Market research was conducted through discussions with NOAA program personnel knowledgeable of the fleet's existing UHDAS installations and the technical requirements for continued UHDAS support. The Government also reviewed the commercial marketplace for ADCP related systems and services to determine whether an alternative source could provide the required support for NOAA's existing UHDAS environment.

The market research confirmed that multiple manufacturers produce ADCP equipment; however, this requirement is for continued support of the existing UHDAS system, not the procurement of ADCP hardware. UHDAS is a specialized software system developed and maintained by UHCG.

The underlying source code, specialized data processing algorithms, and vessel specific configuration matrices are unique to UHCG and are necessary to support NOAA's existing UHDAS installations.

The Government did not identify another source with access to the UHDAS-specific components and expertise needed to provide the required support. Transitioning to an alternative system or provider would require significant evaluation, testing, and integration. This would result in additional costs, schedule impacts, and mission risk.

Additionally, a Notice of Intent to Sole Source was posted on SAM.gov on June 10, 2026, and remained open for 14 days. No capability statements or expressions of interest were received.

Based on the market research conducted and the results of the Notice of Intent to Sole Source, the Government did not identify an alternative source capable of meeting NOAA's requirement for continued support of its existing UHDAS installations.

9. Any other facts supporting using other than full and open competition.

All facts have been documented herein. There are no additional facts to be reported in this section.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in the acquisition in writing.

No sources indicated an interest after 14 days as a result of the Intent to Sole Source notice posted to Contract Opportunities site (SAM.gov) on June 10, 2026

11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required.

NOAA will continue to monitor the marketplace and assess alternative solutions during future acquisition planning. At present, no alternative sources have been identified for the services offered by University of Hawaii for UHDAS support. Should viable alternatives emerge in the future that can gain the required security approvals NOAA will solicit competitive proposals.