Develop, build, and install both hardware and software necessary to upgrade and replace the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) correlator system at the US Naval Observatory.

The Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk (FLCN), Contracting Department, Detachment Philadelphia intends to negotiate and award a contract on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR 6.302-1(b)(1) - Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The intended awardee is Associated Universities, Inc. (CAGE: 0D809), 1400 16th Street NW Ste. 730, Washington, DC 20036-2252.
The solicitation number associated with this notice is N0018918RZ079.
NAVSUP FLCN Phila. intends to acquire a fully operational replacement for the existing Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) correlator system (1 each), applicable software, and ancillary items and documentation for the United States Naval Observatory (USNO).
The new correlator hardware will consist of the compute nodes, data storage, interconnecting switches and software integration necessary to replace the current USNO correlator system. The new correlator system will be capable of processing in real time recorded data streams recorded at up to two (2) Gbps from up to fifteen (15) VLBI stations simultaneously. Data will be transferred to the correlator via high speed interconnects (10 Gbps) from disk based storage and existing USNO VLBI data acquisition units. The correlator system will contain at least sixty (60) processing nodes that will be connected through high-speed (10 Gbps) interconnects. The operating system and correlator software will consist of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux running the DiFX software package.
A system for distributing OS and DiFX package upgrades to all nodes within the cluster will be put in place. The system architecture will be fully expandable in order to meet future USNO mission requirements. The contractor will provide all necessary documentation regarding the correlator system hardware and software. The contractor will also provide the system software integration necessary to make the correlator capable of processing current VLBI data loads.
The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541512 for which the small business size standard is $27.5 Million.
F.O.B. Destination
Duration: 12 months
Delivery/Performance location: USNO’s site in Washington, DC and the National Radio Astronomy (NRA)/Long Baseline Observatory (LBO) in Socorro, NM.
This is a pre-solicitation notice and not a request for competitive proposals.
No formal solicitation package is available at this time.
All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. The Government will not be responsible for any cost incurred in responding to this notice; however, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to meet the requirements and provide any relevant past performance data. All interested parties must demonstrate their appropriate expertise and experience in providing this requirement. Anything submitted by phone or fax will not be considered. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement on a full and open basis is solely within the discretion of the Government.
All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DoD contract.
All responses to this notice shall be submitted in writing to Michael Placido, Contract Specialist, via email at michael.placido@navy.mil.
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