The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), to Aerial Imaging Solutions LLC for 2 APH-28 Hexacopters with an option for 2 additional APH-28 Hexacopters. The sole source determination is based on National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) requirement must be completely compatible in all aspects with the current systems used with our APH-22 hexacopters and APO-42 octocopters including ground station, RC unit, laser altimeter, custom designed gimbal, and the proprietary firmware and internal electronics. It is critical that the equipment be interchangeable and accessible to all of our programs needing to use the equipment The availability of existing replacement parts, extra batteries, and extra radio controllers with exact systems is critical for quick repairs and/or to replace items in the event of a failure in the field. The Aerial Imaging solutions aircraft comes with unique proprietary software and will only work with the existing applications. In addition, the gimbals and laser altimeter interface are unique to Aerial Imaging solutions aircraft. There are no other vendors making consumer level aircraft for the marine environment usage that meet these specific mission requirements for the Southwest Fisheries Science Center.

The Government intends to negotiate a firm fixed price contract. This Special Notice is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing. Submissions are due no later than May 21, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. Responses may be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to Karen Beck at (858) 546-7004. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. It is the Government's belief that only Aerial Imaging Solutions LLC can provide the requirement stated above.