The Department of Commerce intends to issue a sole source firm fixed priced service purchase order to the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems, Inc (NLETS).  The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is 41 USC 253(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source.  Award will be made using FAR 13, Simplified Acquisition procedures the solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-58, effective May 18, 2012.  Standard Industrial Code R499, North American Industry Classification System Code 541690 and size standard dollar values is $6.5 million business size.  

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.  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 foregoing requirements.  Responses must also be accompanied by descriptive literature, warranties, and/or other information that demonstrates that the quote meets all of the foregoing requirements.  Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to [email protected] by August 14, 2012, 11:00 a.m. local time.

The annual NLETS membership provides NWS with access to uniquely specialized NLETS communication network that allows over 25,000 local, state, and federal public-safety agencies to share mission-critical data.  The network is owned and operated by the states, and every public-safety agency in each state and member federal agency is granted access.  Currently, the NLETS network has over 100 servers – two in each state – that connect to routers located in Phoenix via private T-1 lines.  This allows for very rapid, dependable, and efficient information exchange between NWS and public safety agencies nationwide.  NLETS is the only entity that provides this type of communication connectivity of a 24x7 telecommunications network linking all states and many federal agencies for the exchange of public safety related information.  

The determination to compete or not to compete the proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.   The information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.