The National Logistics Service Center, located administratively within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS) intends to purchase a quantity of one hundred fifty (150) ASOS RF Modem Switch Assemblies for Automated Surface Observing System (ASOC) Acquisition Control Unit.  The modem switch assemblies are manufactured by Vince Industries Inc., and are located in Lenexa, KS 66219.  These RF Modem Switch assemblies will provide direct replacements if the existing equipment suffer a failure. 

Vince Industries Inc. has been identified as the only known source that can provide the needed items as specified below that will also meet the Government’s intended use. This procurement is for the purchase of equipment for the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) Acquisition Control Unit to be awarded to the only known source of supply. The RF Modem Switch Assembly is considered intellectual property of the vendor and is proprietary.  This procurement will provide logistical spares for this item for the National Logistics Support Center’s (NLSC) National Reconditioning Center. 

The requested item (see information below) is manufactured solely by Vince Industries Inc. and the only known qualified source of this part due to the proprietary nature of this product.    Any attempt to reproduce this item from a source other than Vince Industries Inc. would require that the Government re-qualify the item at considerable cost to the Government whose cost savings could not be recovered using open competition.  If the National Logistics Service Center cannot procure the needed logistical spares, it will have a negative impact on the National Weather Service’s ability to provide logistical spares that are critical in supporting the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS).

 The requirements for the items are as follows: 

Ø  ASOS RF Modem Switch Assembly

o   Quantity of 150

o   Vince Industries Inc. P/n 62828-40221-10

o   ASN:  S100-1A6S1

o   NSN:  5895-01-411-5106 

All items shall be delivered to the U.S. Department of Commerce/NOAA/National Reconditioning Center located at 14200 Merritt Road., Grandview, MO 64030

The Government is not aware of any other vendors that can provide this specialized piece of equipment while also meeting all of the requirements listed above.

The intended procurement is for the logistical spares for the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) Acquisition Control Unit.  The Government intends to acquire under the guidelines of FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions Procedures and FAR Part 12 Commercial Items.  The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with the only known source (Vince Industries Inc.) under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).  All proposals received prior to the proposals and there is no solicitation available at this time.  The Government reserves the right to solicit quotes based on the receipt of affirmative responses to this notice or issue a purchase order to Vince Industries Inc. whichever is determined to be more advantageous to the Government without further notice.  A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract 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 order to be considered, firms must furnish detailed information concerning their capability to provide the needed logistical spares.  Interested firms should submit its name, address, point of contact, telephone number, and a brief statement regarding its capability to provide the logistical spares that provide the same form, fit and function as the logistical spares specified above.  Any responses that provide for logistical spares other than that specified must be accompanied by descriptive literature and show it meets the same form, fit and function.  Please include the name, telephone number, and point of contact for businesses or other Government agencies to which your company has previously provided the proposed replacement parts. 

Offerors may send their proposal via email only to [email protected].  The NAICS code for this requirement is 335999. The NWS special packaging/marking requirement will be applicable.  All responsible sources may submit requested information which will be considered by the Agency.  All contractors doing business with this Contracting Office (Eastern Region Acquisition - Kansas City Division) must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) website.  Vendors can register with SAM at the following website https://www.sam.gov/