Notice of intent to negotiate a sole-source contract

The US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), NOAA Ship Pisces is Appleton Marine parts to overhaul crane onboard the ship. 

The NOAA Ship Pisces was designed and outfitted with an Appleton Marine Telescoping and Knuckle boom Crane; therefore, the crane parts will be provided by Appleton Marine Inc. located 3030 E Pershing St Appleton, WI, 54911. 

Appleton Marine is the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and retains the proprietary rights to their designs and systems. Appleton Marine is the only OEM approved source for troubleshooting, repairing, and servicing Appleton Marine equipment. To prevent premature failure, particularly when lifting vital heavy leads, ensure component compatibility, and retain ABS certification, it is imperative that all materials are approved by the OEM for the installed application. Using OEM products ensures component compatibility, prevents the need for shipboard modifications of non-approved parts, and certifies that all materials are inspected and approved for use by the OEM. 

The Government is not aware of any other vendors, distributors or resellers that are authorized to sell Appleton parts without compromising OEM warranty, delivery or additional mark ups.

The Government intends to acquire this product under the guidelines of FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions Procedures and FAR Part 12, Commercial Items. The Government intends to solicit and negotiate directly with Appleton Marine Inc under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). The NAICS Code for this buy is 333923, Overhead Traveling Crane, Hoist, and Monorail System Manufacturing with Size standard of 1250 Employees. 

This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. However, if any interested party that is an authorized distributor, reseller from Appleton Marine and can provide their products/ parts without compromising manufacturing delivery, warranty or mark ups may submit a statement of capabilities, which if in timely received, will be considered by NOAA OMAO. 

A statement of capabilities to include the detailed system including manufacture authorization, and OEM warranty agreement, this shall be received by 5:00pm EST on August 04, 2026. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement is based upon responses to this notice and it is solely within the discretion of the Government. 

Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. Evidence must be provided that is an authorized vendor by the manufacture. 

The capability statement, a price list or and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the Government to determine if the party can meet the requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to Alexander Cancela at alexander.cancela@noaa.gov by 5:00pm EST on August 04, 2026.