Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Lease of Buoy

The Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center, San Diego has issued a Special Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Purchase Order to Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (OPT) for leasing a specialized maritime buoy platform. The procurement involves a commercial supply contract to lease an OPT Next Gen Power Buoy currently located at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California. The buoy has been modified to include advanced technologies such as 5G and Starlink capabilities, along with other specialized characteristics required for the intended research mission. The lease contract structure includes a 12-month base period with two additional 12-month option periods. This sole source procurement is being conducted under Title 10 U.S.C 2304 (c) (1), which permits other than full and open competition when specific justification criteria are met.

The primary objective of this procurement is to support Maritime Domain Awareness and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance research at NPS through a persistent energy-harvesting platform equipped with solar and wind power generation, surface search radar, high-definition infrared cameras, and advanced communication systems. Interested parties have until July 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time to submit information demonstrating their ability to satisfy the requirement, though the government intends to award to OPT as the sole source provider. Submissions must include standard contractor information such as company details, CAGE Code, Unique Entity ID, NAICS Code 532411, business size qualification under the 45.5M threshold, and Tax ID number. The justification emphasizes that OPT is uniquely positioned to meet the technical requirements due to existing modifications made to their buoy platform and significant investments already made by their CRADA partner AT&T. The lease approach is deemed cost-effective compared to purchasing a new buoy system while enabling NPS to conduct critical research without maintenance concerns.