G
Justification for Sole Source
An autosalinometer is a device designed to measure the salinity, or dissolved salt content in seawater. This instrument is critical to meeting the obligations of several NOAA/AOML projects such as the Western Boundary Time Series (WBTS), PIRATA Northeast Extension (PNE), and CLIVAR Repeat Hydrography. The instruments have already been purchased and this request is for the refurbishment, repair, and calibration of these instruments. Maintaining data quality and continuity is critical to the mission of these projects. Consistent certification and calibration of these instruments are integral to the quality assurance and quality control maintained by NOAA/AOML. The government does not know of any other autosalinometers capable of accuracy in the sub parts-per-million range.
The Guildline team of engineering and manufacturing experts is recognized around the world for the performance and quality of the autosalinometer. Guildline is the only authorized repair source capable of trouble shooting these instruments and providing the services necessary to return them back to factory standards and guarantee their certification and calibration.
Guildline does not have any authorized repair or calibration facilities within North America other than their factory service and support facility in Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada. The only service and repair facility outside the US is located in Brighton, England. Using an unauthorized repair facility would compromise the quality of the data and would adversely affect the obligations of the projects and void any warranties regarding the functionality of the autosalinometers.
Sources Sought
This sources sought notice is not a request for competitive offers and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide the autosalinometers may submit substantiating documentation in writing within ten days of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]. Documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.
DOC, Eastern Region Acquisition Division requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: www.sam.gov. To register, all contractors must have a Dun and Bradstreet number. A Dun and Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun and Bradstreet on-line at http://www.dnb.com/eupdate or by telephone at (800)333-0505.