Special Notice UAS Aerial Imaging SEFSC 21-00669.pdf

Special Notice Number: NF-FN7600-21-00669 Agency: Department of Commerce Office: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Location: National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC).

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), to Aerial Imaging Solutions, LLC, the sole manufacturer of the APH-22 and the APH-28 unmanned aerial system. The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS), requirement to purchase two APH-22 and one APH-28 hexacopter system with a ground station, with the option to purchase additional units. These systems must be completely compatible with the electronics and support equipment currently in the SEFSC fleet. The APH-22 & 28 hexacopters are compatible with the existing APH-22 & APH-28 ground stations and are the only ones able to communicate video, telemetry and system control status in the same format. It is critical that the equipment be interchangeable and accessible to all programs within SEFSC needing to use the equipment. With the current APH-22’s & 28’s on hand, as well as all of the existing replacement parts, extra batteries, and extra radio controllers it is critical that there are exact systems to quickly repair or replace items in the event of a failure while in the field. Also, the Aerial Imaging Solutions, LLC has written the proprietary firmware now provided with the flight controller and navigation controller boards that enable these systems to operate from shore, or from boats or ships. In addition the gimbals and laser altimeter interface are unique to Aerial Imaging Solutions aircraft. The SEFSC intends to use these systems for monitoring and research activities in the Southeast Region that includes search, detect and photograph marine megafauna.

There are no other vendors making consumer level aircraft for the marine environment usage that meet these specific mission requirements for the Southeast Fisheries Science Center.

The Government intends to negotiate a firm fixed price contract. This Special Notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing. Submissions are due no later than January 22, 2021at 3:00 p.m.

Pacific Standard Time. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

Responses may be emailed to Karen.Beck@noaa.gov. Such 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 compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. It is the Government's belief that only Aerial Imaging Solutions, LLC, the exclusive manufacturer of APH-22 & APH-28 unmanned aerial system can provide the requirement stated above.