NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT
The US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisition Division, Simplified Acquisition Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with JH Acquisition LLC, 1325 W 121st Avenue, Westminster, CO, 80234, using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to provide twenty (20) Cryogenic Frostpoint Hygrometer reference sensors. The National Weather Service (NWS) conducts upper atmosphere observations with radiosondes at one hundred two (102) sites throughout the United States, Pacific Islands, and Caribbean Islands. These observations are used for global scale numerical weather prediction, severe weather prediction, satellite validation, and climatological measurements. One critical piece of information from the observations is humidity measurements. The Sterling Field Support Center (SFSC) is responsible for the evaluation of all the measurements taken by a radiosonde. The SFSC's mission includes ensuring the humidity data taken from observational platforms confirms to national and international standards with documented uncertainty in the measurement.

The Cryogenic Frostpoint Hygrometer was utilized in the evaluation and twenty (20) additional instruments are required for the remaining radiosonde evaluations. Using a humidity reference instrument that is incompatible with the current configuration would be require additional time, money and resources for a new ground station, new reference instruments, and training on the data acquisition platforms. In order to maintain the system in meeting the National Weather Service's mission to protect life and property by providing essential environmental observations used by the NWS warning systems, environmental models, short term forecasts, climate record and feed several NWS product within the NOAA NWS, it is necessary to procure the equipment. Additionally, evaluations of the measurements are intrinsic to the NWS' Weather-Ready Nation initiative by providing public and private sector users with real time observations needed to make fast and smart decisions needed to save lives and enhance commerce.

The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), Only one responsible source.

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 334519 with a business size standard of 500. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. However, if any other interested party believes that it can meet the requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities, which if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. A statement of capabilities must be received by 11:00am, May 15, 2017. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement 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 the future. Evidence must be provided of ability to provide the required services. The capability statement and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to [email protected] by 11:00am, May 15, 2017.

Bid Protests Not Available