R. M. Young anemometers and barometers

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT

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 R.M. Young Company, 2801 Aero Park Drive, Traverse City, MI, 49686-9171, using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to provide barometers and anemometers. The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) uses the R.M. Young barometers and anemometers on the Self Contained Ocean Observations Payload (SCOOP) and Tropical Atmosphere Ocean Array (TAO). The RM Young anemometers are used to measure wind speed using magnetic induction which requires no energy input. Further, the directional portion of the sensor only requires 0.6mW of power. The propeller anemometer also provides for the measurement of wind gusts over 100 m/s where no sonic anemometer technology can currently measure in that range. The NDBC helped develop the R.M. Young propeller anemometer. The R.M. Young anemometer (05108) uses an NDBC specified cable and connector and was selected as the anemometer for the new SCOOP system. The RM Young HD anemometer (05103) uses an NDBC specified cable and connector was selected as the anemometer for the TAO refresh system.

The NDBC selected the RM Young 63102V barometer as the barometer to use with the SCOOP system based on extensive laboratory testing of barometers. R.M. Young Company utilized the NDBC specified cable and connector on the sensor as outlined in the original specifications. In order to maintain the deployment and maintenance of buoys in meeting the National Weather Service's mission to protect life and property by providing essential environmental observations used by the NWS warning systems, environmental models, short term forecasts, climate record and feed several NWS product within the NOAA NDBC, it is necessary to procure the supplies. Additionally, NDBC systems are intrinsic to the NWS' Weather-Ready Nation initiative by providing public and private sector users with real time observations needed to make fast and smart decisions needed to save lives and enhance commerce.

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 334519 with a business size standard of 500. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. However, if any other interested party believes that it can meet the requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities, which if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. A statement of capabilities must be received by 11:00am, December 15, 2015. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice 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 ability to provide the required services. The capability statement and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to Natasha.Thieman@noaa.gov by 11:00am, December 15, 2015.