Turnkey Installation Services for Steam Trap Monitoring System

Under Statutory Authority Title 38, U.S.C. Sections 8127 (b), (c) and (d), and as authorized in VAAR 819.7007, the Government anticipates entering into sole source procurement negotiations with Utility Systems Services, Inc. (US2), Dallas, TX, for turnkey installation of steam trap monitoring equipment to monitor the steam distribution systems within VISN 7 Medical Centers. The Armstrong SteamEye system that has been partially installed in VISN 7 is patented and proprietary. Its unique characteristics are protected under Patent No. 6,145,529, dated November 14, 2000. The software needed to operate the system in these conditions is proprietary to Armstrong. US2, Inc is the only authorized participating dealer on GSA Contract GS 07F-0460M and therefore is able to make use of the patent and the proprietary data. No other contractor is an authorized participating dealer licensed to use the patent or the software. VISN 7 currently has multiple Building Automation System controls operating at each of the facilities which presents a unique problem. In order to be compatible with existing systems, we need a steam trap monitoring system that has "open architecture" which permits it to be configured to each specific location. The Armstrong system we have identified is built with open architecture and is therefore compatible with existing systems presently installed.

This announcement is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under FAR 6.302-1. Other persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement by September 13, 2013 at 12:00 PM EST. This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all interest received on or before the date and time indicated above will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received as a result of the notice of intent will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No solicitation document is available.