Man Computer Interactive Data Access System (McIDAS-X) Software Licenses

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, AN INVITATION FOR BIDS, OR A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. FURTHER, IT DOES NOT REPRESENT A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR COSTS INCURRED IN PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF DATA OR ANY OTHER COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

This is a Special Notice with the intent to award a sole source purchase order to the University of Wisconsin, as the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.

The NTSB has a unique requirement for a tool with the capability of acquiring, managing, analyzing, displaying and integrating environmental data for use in accident/incident investigations for all modes of transportation, as well as for the formulation of safety recommendations. McIDAS has been used by NTSB meteorologists since 1987 and is the only known system that provides timely display and analysis of global meteorological satellite data (real time and historical), and also allows access to a database of real time and historical meteorological products (e.g. international meteorological bulletins, advisories, and observations) from the Space Science and Engineering Center at the University of Wisconsin. 

The decision to award a sole source contract is based on the fact that the McIDAS-X system is a proprietary product, and no third party can provide access to the system.  The University of Wisconsin – Madison has developed and maintained the system since 1970 and is the only vendor authorized to provide access and technical support of the system. There is no other known source that can provide timely display and analysis of meteorological data as well as access to the historical database or meteorological parameters.

The intended sole source contract will be awarded in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), Soliciting from a single source. Contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization).

Sources capable of fully satisfying the above requirement are invited to submit a capability statement. At a minimum, this information, which must be prepared specifically in response to this notice must include: (1) identification of company or organization; (2) an assertion of existing, full capability to meet proposed requirements; (3) business/contracts/marketing office point(s) of contact; (4) notification of business size and /or special status; and (5) any additional information that may be useful to the successful procurement of the requirements, if solicited. The capability statement shall adhere to a five (5)-page submission limit plus web links and any specialized product descriptions. The statement of capabilities should include only information that clearly demonstrates the respondent's capabilities, expertise, and experience to provide the requirements described in this notice. General marketing material should not be included. The NTSB prefers that companies do not submit proprietary material. However, the Government recognizes that proprietary data may be a part of your submittal. If so, clearly mark such restricted or proprietary data and present it as an addendum to the non-restricted/non-proprietary information. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by NTSB. Parties must submit information within ten (10) days of publication of this notice. NTSB will not return capability statements and the supporting documentation submitted in response to this notice. Telephone responses and inquiries will not be accepted.

Anticipated Date of Award

A contract is anticipated to be issued on or around December 31, 2024. 

Response Deadline

You may email questions regarding this notice to the issuing office to Kate Campbell, Contracting Officer via email at: kate.campbell@ntsb.gov no later than 4:00pm EST on December 20, 2024.