Technical support services for the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Software Interagency DiFX Correlator (DiFX SWC) at the United States Naval Observatory (USNO).

NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC), Norfolk Contracting Department, Philadelphia Office intends to acquire

support services, on a sole source basis, from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in accordance with FAR 6.302-1. This procurement action will acquire qualified technical support services for the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Software Interagency DiFX Correlator (DiFX SWC) at the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) Washington, DC. Specific services are required to provide for correlator-specific request ticket issues; upgrades to correlator specific software; repairs; recovery from software and hardware failures; technical assistance with unusual modes; routine inspections; validation activities; critical updates to the USNO Correlator Project book; supplying hardware maintenance for DiFX SWC Dell computers, Lustre file system Aeon storage servers, Arista and Cisco network switches; supplying 3rd party vendor software licenses (as required by IA an IT needs); and two annual visits for inspection and upgrades.

A firm fixed price (FFP) type contract, comprised of a 12 month base period of performance commencing 23 September 2016 and ending 22 September 2017 is anticipated to satisfy this requirement. In addition, three 12 month option periods will be included as a means to provide anticipated services through 22 September 2020. NRAO is considered the only source of all the support services, and is currently providing these services under purchase order N00189-14-P-Z750, which expires 22 September 2016. The proposed contract is for services which the Navy intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. This acquisition will not be processed under the provisions for commercial items in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12.

The solicitation will require the submission of a cost/price proposal. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Contracting Department, Philadelphia Office.