66--Notice of Intent to Sole Source

This is a notice of intent to solicit from a single source. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), intends to negotiate a purchase order, with Seabird Scientific USA, Bellevue, WA for a 19 Plus V2 SeaCAT CTD profiler as described in the attached Salient Characteristics. Award will be made in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b) and the procedures at FAR Part 12 entitled, Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 entitled, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Seabird Scientific USA is, to the USGS knowledge, the only source who can maintain data and data processing consistency in our water quality monitoring program. Consistency is required to ensure the viability and scientific integrity of the long-term data set. Having a second instrument identical to the one currently in inventory will allow us to swap out probes (which will be interchangeable between the two units) and will allow for more seamless data processing and input. A different type of profiler would also create an issue with data processing as the Government's SQL database as code specifically written for the Seabird unit. One or more of the items under this acquisition is subject to Free Trade Agreements. The purpose of this notice is to satisfy the requirements of FAR Subpart 5.2. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all responsible parties may submit a quotation by the closing date of this announcement which shall be considered by the agency. No solicitation will be issued. A determination not to compete this action based upon responses received is in the sole discretion of the Government. The NAICS code for this action is 334519 Other measuring and controlling device manufacturing. Responses or inquiries shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to contact@example.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than January 5, 2021. Responses submitted by hardcopy shall not be accepted or considered. Salient Characteristics for CTD profiler. CTD is an oceanography instrument used to measure the conductivity, temperature, and pressure of seawater. 4 Hz sampling capability, 64 MB memory, 6 differential A/D channels, wet-pluggable connectors, a cage to house the instrument, TC duct (temperature and conductivity cell opening) and a 5p submersible pump. The profiler is to be configured with a pumped conductivity, temperature and depth recorder with a 350m strain-gauge pressure