Notice of intent to negotiate a sole-source contract

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), Aircraft Operation Center (AOC) Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR) major processor upgrade

The service will be conducted by: PROSENSING, INC. 107 SUNDERLAND ROAD

AMHERST MA 01002.

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 334511, Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing; the small business size standard is 1250 Employees.

The NOAA Aircraft Operations Center operates and maintains weather reconnaissance and research aircraft which perform missions critical to forecasting severe weather events during the hurricane season.  A key component to the data collected in hurricanes is the ability to accurately measure wind speeds on the ocean surface below the aircraft. This is performed using a Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR).

Pro Sensing Inc. is the manufacturer of the current SFMR radiometer antenna and signal processor for the NOAA WP-3D and G-IVSP aircraft as well as the USAF Reserve WC-130Js. The processor that converts the raw Brightness Temperature measurements into wind speed was fielded in 2007 and, being 13 years old, is very slow and obsolete by today’s standards. A major upgrade to this processor, as specified below, is critical to ensure optimal SFMR performance moving forward.

CLIN0001 SFMR Processor P/N SFMR2005W-P Unit Upgrades

The Government is not aware of any other vendors that are authorized to provide, service, or support Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR) without compromising OEM warranty, delivery, or additional markups.

The Government intends to acquire this service 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 Waypoint Global., under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).

This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. However, if any authorized party that can provide this subscription/licensing without compromising manufacturing delivery 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 service including manufacture authorization, and OEM agreement, and a price list, this shall be received by 5:00pm EST on March 2, 2020. 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 of the required service while also be authorized by the manufacture.

The capability statement, a price list 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 all of the system requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to Christopher Baker at Christopher.Baker@noaa.gov by 5:00pm EST on March 2, 2020.