Aquadopp Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers

Added: Aug 03, 2015 8:36 am NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT

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., 27 Drydock Avenue, Boston, MA 02210, using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to provide Aquadopp Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers. The Nortek Aquadopp Profilers work with the NOAA CO-OPS system. The NOAA National Current Observation Program (NCOP) 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. The Nortek Aquadopp sensors were originally selected for use by CO-OPS in 2001. Extensive market research conducted in 2011 and again in 2014 led to the selection of the Aquadopp 600kHz 2D and 1MHz Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers as the best value current profilers for meeting the NOAA NCOP requirements in shallow-water areas. The Nortek sensors have performed consistently under the demanding requirements of the NOAA National Current Observation Program operational surveys, proving extremely reliable under the most grueling test and operational conditions. 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. 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 541712 with a business size standard of 500 employees. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. 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 statement of capabilities must be received by 11:00am, August 10 2015. 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 Chelsea.vera@noaa.gov by 11:00am, August 10, 2015.