Montana State University of Bozman, Montana for nonpersonal services and equipment to for scientific research by utilizing Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) for Hyperspectral Microscopy of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABS) reconnaissance and data processing

SPECIAL NOTICE

NRMAF0002200836SRG

*** National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Montana State University of  Bozman, Montana for nonpersonal services and equipment to for scientific research by utilizing Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) for Hyperspectral Microscopy of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABS)  reconnaissance and data processing.

***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), Oceanica and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL)

requirement with the Montana State University.  Only the University “No other vendor has this type of experience or equipment. Older LiDAR digitizers provide 15 cm sample spacing and the new digitizer provides ~ 11 cm sample spacing with much better calibration accuracy. Montana State University develops and designs the LiDAR digitizers and processes the data retrieved from the LiDAR. They have a high-speed digitizer to improve the LiDAR's range (depth) resolution and calibration for biomass accuracy. This technology in conjunction with the data mapping will provide essential scientific research on zooplankton in specified areas for the lab.

Montana State University has provided expert scientific research on Lake Erie by resolving deep chlorophyll maximums in the past working with the Environmental Protection Agency and other Great Lakes Community partnerships. Anyone else that we would find would not have the data processing compatibility or specific equipment needed to execute our requirements in time for the harmful algal blooms this year.”

The Period of performance from date of award through 12/30/2022.

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.