Science on a Sphere (SOS) exhibit
Awarded Limited / Sole Source Justification Posted
- Solicitation number
- 1332KP26C0003
- Agency
-
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Department of Commerce
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- Contract number
- 1332KP26C0003 Federal contract award
- Awardee
- B / W Color Prints, LLC
- NAICS code
- 238390 Other Building Finishing Contractors
- Place of performance
- Suitland, Maryland 20746, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded a sole-source firm-fixed-price contract to B/W Color Prints LLC (dba BWC Visual Technology) for turnkey installation of a Science on a Sphere visualization system at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Maryland, under contract 1332KP26C0003 on May 1, 2026.
The sole-source justification rests on BWC Visual Technology's exclusive authorization as the North American partner for the SOS system under CRADA CR-188 (active through March 2029) and its exclusive rights to the proprietary Alignment Pro system (U.S. Patent No. 18/188,075). The contracting officer determined no other North American entity possesses the legal or technical authority to install and certify the proprietary hardware and software suite. Market research identified competitors including IM Systems Group and VizLab Protech, but neither holds required proprietary hardware rights or CRADA authorization.
The requirement includes proprietary SOS hardware, software licensing (Operating System, Wibu Dongle, SOS RoboGuide suite), specialized technical services (Remote Alignment Management and API support), and ancillary site preparation (glass double doors, wall murals, sphere mounting points). The 60-inch diameter sphere displays animated environmental data to support NOAA's statutory mandate to improve public environmental literacy.
Period of performance is 12 months from Notice to Proceed. Authority cited is 41 U.S.C. 1901 as implemented by FAR 12.201-1 Simplified Procedures. A Notice of Intent to Sole Source was published to SAM.gov on February 6, 2026, for 15 days (Notice ID: REQUIREMENTS-25-5029) with no responsive bids received. The estimated contract value is redacted.
Notice text
Description: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for the turnkey installation of a Science On a Sphere (SOS) visualization system at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) in Suitland, MD.
This requirement includes the provision of proprietary SOS hardware, software licensing exclusively authorized under CRADA CR-188, and specialized technical installation utilizing the patented Alignment Pro system. The project also involves ancillary facility improvements (site preparation) necessary to support the exhibit environment.
Awardee: B/W Color Prints LLC (dba BWC Visual Technology).
Authority: This action was conducted as a sole-source procurement under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901, as implemented by FAR 12.201-1 Simplified Procedures.
Awarded contract 1332KP26C0003 to unknown vendor for unknown amount on 2026-05-01.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| SSJ SOS Final_Fully Signed_Redacted.pdf |
Similar open opportunities
| Opportunity | Agency | Set-aside | Responses due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Library Services Platform and Discovery System | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | No set-aside | |
| Notice of Intent to Sole Source to RVET Operating LLC for Job Fair Participation | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | Total Small Business | |
| Request for Information (RFI) - NOAA Requirement CIMS PACS/VSS | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | No set-aside |
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity