Notice of Intent to Award a Sole-Source Contract - AODocs Software Subscription

Announcement Number: 1305M2-22-Q-01152

Project Title: AODocs Software Subscription

The US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD), Simplified Acquisition Branch - Norfolk, VA, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the statutory authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with Altirnao, Inc., for AODocs Cloud Based Software. AODocs is a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) product that is closely integrated with Google for creating, sharing and managing content via an enterprise Document Management platform to support the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) Marine and Aviation Cyber Center (MACC). The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 511210, Software Publishers, with a business size standard of $41.5 million.

Sole Source Justification

In OMAO's widely dispersed operating environment, connected online and offline, AODocs hosts the Civilian personnel and Wage Mariners Performance Management Records and serves NOAA-wide as a resource for maritime and aviation policies, processes and procedures.

The primary challenge with any software installed on the OMAO ship is the ability for the software to operate over a high latency low bandwidth satellite connection. In addition, the software must have the ability to reduce its bandwidth use and be set up in a distributed manner. AODocs is the only software that has built in tools that allow each component to be throttled collectively or on an individual basis. In addition, it is the only document management system integrated with NOAA’s Unified Messaging System-Google Drive and Google Workspace.

Use of an unauthorized software provider would void any warranties (implied or otherwise) on the current AODocs software currently installed and in use at NOAA/OMAO. The software must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems presently installed.

Switching to a differently manufactured software would render the existing software unusable. The investments made to procure, install, configure, test and train personnel on the current AODocs software could not be recovered by procuring and installing another manufacturer's product.

Special Notice

This special notice is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, nor will one be posted on Contract Opportunities.  However, if an interested party believes that it is capable of meeting the requirements and be in compliance with the above justification, they may submit substantiating documentation in writing within the open period of this notice.  Responses can be sent via e-mail to Randall.Chatfield@noaa.gov.  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 response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

All responsible sources may submit a Capability Statement in accordance with the solicitation, which shall be considered by the agency if received on or before 12:00 PM EDT on June 17, 2022.  The Capability Statement must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. 

All electronic correspondence shall have the subject line read: 

Announcement Number:1305M2-22-Q-01152

Project Title: AODocs Software Subscription

It is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure that any submission transmitted to the specified Government representative(s) is received prior to the due date specified herein. 

This notice will remain open from June 9, 2022 to June 17, 2022.