Helicopter satellite tracking and Iridium voice and data services.

The Department of Energy/Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) intends to negotiate on a single source basis with Latitude Technologies, Inc, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), Soliciting From a Single Source, for monthly data usage and connection fees associated with satellite tracking of WAPAs 4 Bell 407 Helicopters. This service provides tracking every 2 minutes and satellite phone and texting supported by WebSentinel, which is a web-based data management service that the WAPA aviation and dispatch office use to track all helicopters using the SkyNode S200 system. The Government intends to acquire commercial services using the provisions, clauses, and procedures prescribed in FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13.
Based on market research WAPA has not identified any other sources that can provide the required tracking services for the Latitude tracking equipment, SkyNode S200, already installed in all of WAPAs helicopters. Another subscription is not compatible with current systems in the helicopters without replacing the entire satellite helicopter tracking system in each WAPA helicopter. This system exceeds automated flight tracking requirements mandated by the US. WAPA uses the Latitude flight data management for past history flights and is required to have this capability. Latitude is FAA Bell 407 certified and the equipment is a certified satellite system strictly for the Bell 407 helicopters. They are also a global value added reseller of lridium voice and data airtime services as well as being an Iridium value-added manufacturer. Iridium works with Latitude SkyNode equipment, WebSentinel flight data management and airtime services.
It would not be cost effective to the Government to replace the entire current flight tracking system in each aircraft. The satellite phone, subscription and web mapping are one package and another vendor cannot provide only the service, this would require an entire system overhaul, and additional down-time for replacement, training, and network setup of the web based mapping with the dispatchers and testing the equipment on each helicopter.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 517410, and the size standard is $32.5M annually. It is anticipated this action will result in a one (1) year Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract with four (4) one (1) year options, beginning July 1, 2019.
This notice of intent is not a competitive Request for Quotation (RFQ). No solicitation package will be publically issued. In accordance with FAR 5.207, all responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. However, a determination by the Government whether to compete the proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received from all responsible sources will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.
If WAPA identifies no other capable sources by June 18, 2019, WAPA will issue a Firm-Fixed-Price contract on or about July 1, 2019 to Latitude Technologies, Inc. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement, in writing, no later than the response date. Written responses to this synopsis shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement.
Inquiries will only be accepted via e-mail to Wesley Aumiller at aumiller@wapa.gov by close of business June 18, 2019. Please reference the above solicitation number when responding to this notice. No telephone requests will be honored..