Notice of Intent to Award a Sole-Source Contract: SOFAR Spotter water level measuring buoy

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 SOFAR Ocean Technologies, Inc., using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to to purchase SOFAR Spotter water level measuring buoy to assist in the test and development of CO-OPS’ mission essential remote water level applications. This procurement is for one (1) SOFAR Spotter buoy with pressure and temperature nodes, as well as an Iridium short-burst data modem provisioned for use on the Department of Defense Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services. CO-OPS personnel will test and evaluate the SOFAR Spotter buoy and Smart Mooring Nodes for potential operational use in the National Water Level Observation Program (NWLON), Physical Oceanography Real-Time System (PORTS), and National Currents Observation Program (NCOP). 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 541715 (exception 2), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment, with a business size standard of 1,250 employees.

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: NC-NT1000-23-00714.

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 May 5, 2023.  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 April 20, 2023 to May 5, 2023.