Sole Source Letter of Intent.docx

Synopsis: Notice of Intent to Award a Sole-Source Contract Announcement Number: NC-NT1000-23-00294 Project Title: Nortek Aquadopp Sensors and Support Equipment The US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisition Division, Simplified Acquisition Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with NortekUSA, Inc., using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to provide Aquadopp Sensors and associated equipment. The Nortek Aquadopp Sensors works with the NOAA CO-OPS system. The NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services already employs these standardized sensors and equipment in order to help maintain a robust, reliable, and cost efficient system of deployable bottom mounted current sensors. Sensor and instrumentation compatibility and interchangeability are critical to the operations and maintenance of the systems. System and sensor standardization also helps to ensure that the data gathered while systems are deployed is suitable for post analysis, assessment, and use in updating tidal datum, currents tables, and navigational charts. Furthermore, system and sensor interoperability helps to reduce the cost of maintenance through ease of replacement and component upgrade. NOAA has invested significant time and resources in developing mounting systems, brackets, survey procedures, and sensor partnering to help maximize data returns during current surveys. Procurement of a different type of acoustic profiler would require system integration research, extensive testing, engineering mounting hardware development, spares inventory build-up, and would delay operational current surveys supporting maritime navigational safety. Utilizing a different acoustic profiler could also delay chart updates, reducing chart accuracy and NOAA support to maritime navigation and commerce. These ADCPs are mission critical items. These are a key tool used during scientific studies. It is imperative to have this system operating correctly and accurately and thus, it is necessary to procure the supplies. NortekUSA, Inc. is the sole provider of the Aquadopp Sensors. The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), Only one responsible source..

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 334511, Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing with a business size standard of 1,250 employees.

Special Notice This special notice is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, nor will one be posted on Contract Opportunities. However, if an interested party believes that it is capable of meeting the requirements and be in compliance with the above justification, they may submit substantiating documentation in writing within the open period of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to Jonathan.rankin@noaa.gov. Documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

All responsible sources may submit a Capability Statement in accordance with the solicitation, which shall be considered by the agency if received on or before 11:00 AM EDT on February 24, 2023. The Capability Statement must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements.

All electronic correspondence shall have the subject line read:

Announcement Number: NC-NT1000-23-00294

It is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure that any submission transmitted to the specified Government representative(s) is received prior to the due date specified herein.

Offerors are highly encouraged to contact the Government representative(s) specified above prior to the solicitation’s stated time and date for receipt of offers to ensure the Government has received the submission. Offers received after the date and time specified in this solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

DOC/NOAA Eastern Acquisition Division requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: www.sam.gov.

The notice will remain open from 1/27/2023 to 2/3/2023.