Intent to Sole Source: Scintrex CG-6 AUTOGRAV™ gravity meter

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 Scintrex Ltd., using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to procure One (1) Scintrex CG-6 AUTOGRAV™ gravity meter (gravimeter) and related accessories. 

NOAA is congressionally mandated to define, maintain, and provide access to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).  Gravity data is a key component of the NSRS. The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) requires the ability to measure terrestrial, relative gravity quickly and accurately.  Two current projects employing relative gravity meters include Gravity for the Redefinition of the American Vertical Datum (GRAV-D) and the Geoid Monitoring Service (GeMS). The GRAV-D project is collecting airborne gravity data to produce a 1-centimeter geoid in order to modernize the nation’s vertical datum.  For each airborne gravity survey, an absolute gravity tie at the airport must be established.  This involves measuring with an absolute gravimeter, then using a terrestrial relative gravimeter to calculate a vertical gravity gradient to transfer the value to the height of the relative gravimeter in the aircraft.  The gradient is determined through a three-tiered measurement. Second, terrestrial gravity measurements are needed to support the Geoid Monitoring Service (GeMS) project, by measuring local, high precision gravity data for specific areas as needed:  acquiring gravity observations in difficult to reach areas, and/or where portability is a major consideration. Currently NGS has a number of terrestrial relative gravity meters:  its five LaCoste and Romberg g-meters – instruments obtained in the 1960s and 1970s – are now considered obsolete.  NGS also owns a very early-model Scintrex CG-6, and a two newer production model CG6s.  Compared with the older g-meter instruments, the CG6 typically obtains the required measurement in 1/5 of the total measurement time. The CG-6 has proved to be an excellent instrument, and NGS has changed its data acquisition procedures to take advantage of its unique characteristics (no offsets, small drift, extremely quick set up). In order to provide NGS the ability to efficiently collect high quality terrestrial gravity data, NOAA is interested in purchasing an additional production model CG-6 gravity meter that would allow for both simultaneous high-quality observations, as well as provide a contingency backup for observations in extremely remote locations (such as remote islands). Scintrex/Micro-g LaCoste is the only manufacturer of a quartz-based (non-clamping) relative gravimeter – a system proven to have negligible offsets between measurements. Further, the CG-6 is paired with a corresponding gradient tripod system that allows for a single leveling set up – saving valuable time in the field. In addition, the operation of the gravity is nearly fully automated. No comparable instrument is available from other vendors. 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 541360, Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Service, with a business size standard of $28.5 million.

This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, nor will one be posted on the Contract Opportunities website.

The determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.  However, if any interested party believes that it is capable of meeting the requirements, and in an effort to comply with the requirements outlined in FAR 5.102, a firm may request an electronic copy of the solicitation from the Contract Specialist, Chelsea Vera, Chelsea.vera@noaa.gov

All electronic correspondence shall have the subject line read:  Announcement Number: 141011-24-0009.

All responsible sources may submit a Capability Statement and/or a quote in accordance with the solicitation, which may be considered by the agency if received on or before 12:00 PM EST on August 1, 2024.  The Capability Statement must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. 

This notice will remain open from July 17, 2024 to August 1, 2024.