Notice of Intent - ReconRobotics

PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY AS IT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY NOTICE THAT WILL BE PUBLISHED.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intends to negotiate a one-time, sole source, firm-fixed price purchase order with ReconRobotics (Edina, MN) for the purpose of procuring replacement Throwbot 2 Base Kits for the FBI’s National Tactical Training Unit (NTTU). 

This micro-robot platform enables operators to obtain instantaneous video and audio reconnaissance within indoor and outdoor environments.  Designed to withstand drops of up to 30 feet onto concrete, the robot can be thrown into hazardous situations to allow operators to quickly make informed decisions.  The micro-robot is designed to be able to crawl over a variety of terrain, clearing obstacles up to 2” tall.  The micro-robot can be directed to move through a structure and transmit real time video and audio to the OCU II controller.  This could be used to identify subject locations, room layouts, confirm presence of hostage locations and many other tacitly relevant information.    

This platform is the current micro-robot platform that is the standard robot for the FBI SWAT program.  Due to the size, weight and specific performance characteristics, this platform meets all the current requirements the SWAT program has for a micro-robot.  This is also a direct replacement to the robots in use and will not require operators to be trained on the specifics of a new device.  This is an officer safety device that is a critical tool for the FBI SWAT program.     

Market research efforts conducted by the NTTU include internet queues, speaking with various vendor representatives, and attending tradeshows. This market research revealed that the ReconRobotics, Inc. Throwbot 2 Base Kit is the best platform to meet the requirements of the NTTU. ReconRobotics, Inc. is the sole distributer and manufacturer of the micro-robot in use by the FBI SWAT program. In addition, this is also a direct replacement to the robots currently in use by NTTU and will not require operators to be trained on the specifics of a new device.   

This notice will be distributed solely through the General Services Administration’s SAM.gov website (www.SAM.gov).  Interested parties are responsible for monitoring the beta.SAM.gov site to ensure they have the most up-to-date information about this acquisition.  The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334511: Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing; the size standard is 1,250 employees. 

The Government intends to negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1.  This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties may identify their interests and submit a capabilities statement in response to this requirement by contacting Christina Wheeless via email only at CMWheeless@fbi.gov, no later than 1:00pm (Central) on Friday, June 24, 2022.  Responses sent via other means (i.e. via telephone call, facsimile transmission, etc.) will not be considered.  Information received will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement.  A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is at the discretion of the Government.  

Vendors must be registered in SAM, effective July 29, 2012, to receive government contracts.  The FBI utilizes a financial system that has a direct interface with the SAM.  Please ensure that your company’s SAM information is updated and accurate.  This includes: TIN, EFT, DUNs, addresses, and contact information.  The EFT banking information on file in SAM will be what the FBI uses to process payment to your organization.