APH22 and 28 Hexacopter

Synopsis: Notice of Intent To Award A Sole-Source Contract Announcement Number: 1333MK-18-01848 Project Title: Hexacopter Drones The US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA), Marine Operations Center, Acquisition, Accountability, and Analysis Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Aerial Imaging Solutions LLC, located in Old Lyme, Conneticut, using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to provide for the purchase 1 APH-28 Hexacopter and 1 APH-22 Hexacopter with an option for 2 additional Hexacopters of either type for collection of high resolution vertical photographs and habitat mapping. The OMAO/AOC is the designated oversight/approval office for all NOAA UAS. AOC provides project and operational support for all UAS missions within NOAA. The majority of the UAS fleet activity in NOAA to date has been on the APH-22 aircraft, where the aircraft is currently in service with National Marine Fisheries. The APH-28 aircraft is the updated version of the APH-22, slightly larger with updated electronics. AOC has a requirement to supplement and train pilots on the current NOAA UAS fleet and maintain core competencies on UAS operating in NOAA. The APH-22 and APH-28 currently fly greater than 75% of the UAS mission in NOAA. The sole source determination is based on compatibility to existing systems or equipment. AOC pilots and the majority of UAS pilots within NOAA are currently qualified on these aircraft and will not need additional training for flights or maintenance, which adds a level of safety and reduces overall cost of introducing new drones to the inventory. Because the APH-28 is an upgraded version of the APH-22 the majority of NOAA pilots will already be able to safely operate them out of the box. This reduces the learning curve and therefore minimizes any accidents due to unfamiliarity or change. It will also allow easier repairs/maintenance without the risk of confusing separate systems or using incorrect parts. 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 334419 with a business size standard of 750 Employees. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, nor will one be posted on FedBizOpps. Although 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. However, if any interested party believes that it is capable of meeting the requirements, and in an effort to comply with the requirements outlined in FAR 5.102, a firm may request an electronic copy of the solicitation from the Contract Specialist, Alicha Harris (Alicha.Harris@noaa.gov). All electronic correspondence shall have the subject line read: Announcement Number: Project Title. All responsible sources may submit a Capability Statement and/or a quote in accordance with the solicitation, which shall be considered by the agency if received on or before 11:00 AM EST on July 26, 2018. The Capability Statement must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. The solicitation will remain open from July 11, 2018 to July 26, 2018.