Intent to award to a single source

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) intends to issue a sole source award utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). to 3DR (Duns 068854635).

The Alaska Fisheries Science Center intends to purchase two Yuneec/3DR H520G hexacopters in support of vessel-based marine mammal and fisheries scientific missions. We require a new Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) with at least six rotors (hexicopter) to allow the UAS to continue flying and to return to base in the event that one rotor is damaged or malfunctions. The UAS must have retractable landing gear to provide a 360 view from the camera for rapid use during entanglement responses. The UAS should come with a gimballed camera with a minimum 20 MP and 4K video capability. Camera movement needs to be able to be controlled from the console with a minimum 90 tilt and limitless 360 pan. Within these payload constraints, the UAS should be small enough to safely launch and retrieve from a small vessel, constructed of lightweight materials study enough to be strapped onto a backpack for carrying into the field. The platform should have the option to use a thermal camera in place of the visual camera. The UAS must have waypoint capabilities for autonomous flight to help with photographing large areas. The ground station should have a range of 1 mile under optimal conditions. UAS flight time should be in excess of 20 minutes with standard payload. The platform should be robust for operating in low temperatures and moderate wind conditions. ABL expects that the UAS will come with the ground control station (GCS) along with a battery charger. The system must be packed in a waterproof, hard-sided case that is as small as possible. The manufacturer is required to provide training in operation and maintenance of the UAS. This training is required by AOC.

This Notice of Intent is not a Request for Quotes. This notice of intent is to meet the requirements of FAR 5.101(a)(2), and is for information purposes only, therefore, no solicitation will result from this announcement. All sources eligible to provide this supply or service must respond in writing, response must be supported by clear and convincing evidence to clearly be able to provide services for products outlined above. A request for documentation will not be considered an affirmative response. If no responses are received, within 10 days after publication of this notice, to the effect that comparable products are available, and that it is more advantageous to the Government than obtaining these products through a sole-source contract, then a sole source acquisition award will be made. Response to this award is to be sent to heather.mahle@noaa.gov with a Subject title to include the solicitation number.

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