REQUIREMENTS-24-0861_SSJ_FE_Redacted_1.pdf

REQUIREMENTS-24-0861

Version 3.0

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

FOR AN ACTION EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

USING SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(AUTHORITY: FAR 13.501(a), 41 U.S.C. 1901)

REQUIREMENT-24-0861

1. Agency and contracting activity.

The Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), Western Acquisition Division (WAD), and southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC).

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

This is a sole source justification for a new Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for two (2) Aris Explorer 3000 – Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonars (ARIS), with the option of four (4) additional units. The government intends to solicit Ocean Marine Industries, designated as a Woman Owned Small Business.

3. Description of supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the total estimated value).

The requirement is to provide two (2) Aris Explorer 3000 – Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonars, with the option of four (4) additional units to the SEFSC at a total cost of . With an initial delivery date of July 01, 2024 for $ and four (4) optional line items in the amount of for delivery through June 30, 2029.

4. Statutory authority permitting the sole source (including brand name) acquisition.

X 41 U.S.C. 1901, using SAP up to $7.5M as authorized by FAR 13.500(a) and implemented by FAR 13.501(a).

5. Demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited. The contracting officer has determined the following circumstances justify the use of a sole source as supported below:

Only one source

The ARIS Explorer is a highly unique underwater imaging sonar system. Dual-frequency systems provide concurrent high-resolution, long-distance identification as well as ultra-high-resolution images in close-range applications. SEFSC’s specifications are tailored to meet its need to collect a wide dataset, including passive and active acoustic, sonar, video, and environmental data. This allows for clear imaging even in dark or turbid waters, the ARIS explorer provides an unmatched level of clarity, and the ability to obtain usable images and data in real time. No other imaging systems meet the requirements specifications and capability.

REQUIREMENTS-24-0861

Compatibility to existing systems or equipment

SEFSC currently has a collaboration with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida International University in order to facilitate the incorporation of ARIS imaging sonars into video-acoustic mooring platforms. The collection of sonar imaging data is part of a multi-year, Inflation Reduction Act-funded project to improve surveys of red snapper. These surveys are used to conduct stock assessments and manage fishing limitations to avoid overfishing. Extensive engineering time has already been dedicated to this effort. Thus, the selection of ARIS will reduce the time-associated costs of engineering the incorporation of any other market place system that does not meet the minimum technical specifications as detailed above. ARIS are used throughout NMFS; thus, the institutional knowledge and compatibility with existing systems is essential to ensure data continuity.

Lastly, this work will include a collaboration with a Cooperative Institution for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) that utilizes ARIS instruments; thus, it is essential that we match their instrumentation to ensure that larger datasets are acquired and comparable. The data collected by the ARIS feeds into SEFSC’s programs monitoring reef fish populations, assessing underwater habits, and identification of protected species in order to meet its mandate of maintaining sustainable fisheries. Data integrity across time is essential to accurately track trends.

Exclusive Licensing Agreement/Restrictive Rights/Authorized Reseller

Sound Metrics Corporation of Bellevue, Washington, holds the exclusive Intellectual Property License to manufacture and produce the technology. Ocean Marine Industries is the only licensed distributor for Sound Metrics Corporation.

6. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies.

A sources sought notice was posted onto SAM.gov on 05/13/2024, and no responses have been received to date. A notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract will be posted at least fifteen days before issuing a solicitation, as required by FAR 5.201. Any responses from interested vendors will be reviewed and considered before issuing a sole source award.

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

The contracting officer determines that the anticipated price(s) will be fair and reasonable based on the Independent Government Cost Estimate. A price analysis will be conducted in accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a)(2).

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

Market research was conducted and found no other authorized contractors who can provide an Aris Explorer 3000, as Ocean Marine Industries is the exclusive distributor. The market research included reviewing mandatory sources, utilizing the Dynamic Small Business Search tool, and posting a sources sought notice (SSN) on SAM.gov. No responses to the SSN were received.

Details of findings can be found on the market research report.