Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Sole Source Contract

The Water Management Research Unit (WMR) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in Fort Collins, CO intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Badger Meter, Inc., located in Milwaukee, WI, for the purchase of 32 1-1/2" Recordall Turbo Series Flow meters with flange adapters.  Badger Meter is the designer and manufacturer of this meter.

The WMR has an existing system of Badger Meter Turbo Series flow meters that perform well and collect accurate data within their operating limits.  The WMR requires 32 more of these flow meters for new research plans, and supervisory control and data acquisition systems.  The Badger Meter flow meters are required in order to maintain consistency of the flow meter network.  These flowmeters are reliable and the research technicians are familiar with their operation.  Replacement of the current system would cause undue burden to the government through loss of time and money.  Due to the nature of this add-on requirement, this procurement creates the need to negotiate a sole source contract.

This is a notice of intent and is not a request for competitive quotations or proposals.  No solicitation is available.  Firms that believe they can provide equal or superior products are encouraged to identify themselves and provide a substantive statement with descriptive literature and any other supporting information to the Contracting Officer within 10 days of publication of this notice.  All information received within 10 days of publication of this notice will be considered by the Government to determine if more than one firm can meet the Government's requirements and is capable of providing equal or superior products.  All responses must be in writing and should be emailed to molly.jackson@ars.usda.gov.  Questions concerning this acquisition must be directed to Molly Jackson at the above contact information.