The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC), located administratively within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS)  intends to purchase two (2) sets of Nortek USA current sensors for field testing used on the TAO flux buoys as possible replacements to the Sontek point source current meters.  

Nortek USA 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 will provide sensors for field testing used on the TAO flux buoys and are only available from Nortek USA Inc. This is based on the company is the only vendor to provide both types of current sensors required with the inductive modem interface.  In addition the NDBC has made efforts to replace the current Sontek current sensors which are no longer in production and NDBC have been deploying the Nortek Aquadopp profilers and point source current meters side by side with the Sonteks.  Therefore the Aquadopp profilers and point source current meters must be maintained by the NDBC.  If another manufacturer was utilized the government would have to re-qualify the item and will require substantial man hours and cost to the government for field testing.  

The requirements for the items are as follows: 

Ø  Aquadopp 400 kHz Profiler

o    Includes 400kHz standard head

o    Standard housing for two (2) batteries

o    9MB of memory

o    0-200 meter pressure sensor

o    Compass and tilt sensor

o    10m RS0232 cable

o    RS-232 + analong in

o    Inductive modem module for ½” wire diameters

o    Qty: 2

o    Nortek P/n 901107

Ø  Aquadopp 300m point source current meter

o    Standard housing for two (2) batteries

o    9MB of memory

o    300 meter pressure sensor

o    Mooring type transducer head

o    Compass and tilt sensor

o    10m RS2323 cable

o    RS-232 + analong in

o    Inductive modem module for ½” wire diameters

o    Qty: 4

o    Nortek P/n 901107

Ø  Aqua Pro Spares

o    Includes plastic battery canister with 4 x 18 AA pack with cable

o    Aquafin Clamp Set, fixed diameter for 1/2” mooring

o    Qty: 2

Ø  Nortek P/n 901107

Ø  Shipping Charges 

All items under this contract shall be FOB Destination and shall be delivered to the NOAA National Data Buoy Center located at Bldg. 3205, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529.

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

The intended procurement is for sensors for which 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 (Nortek USA Inc.) under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). All proposals received prior to the close of this notice will be considered by the Government.  However, this is not a request for 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 Nortek USA Inc., whichever is determined to be more advantageous to the Government without further notice.  A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed purchase order 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 sensors.   Interested firms should submit its name, address, point of contact, telephone number, and a brief statement regarding its capability to provide the sensors system that provides the same form, fit and function as the equipment specified above.  Any responses that provide for equipment 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 sensors.

Offerors may send their proposal via email only to [email protected].  The NAICS code for this requirement is 334511.  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/