Image Segmentation Software Acquisition and Associated Maintenance

This is a combined synopsis/competitive solicitation, the US Forest Service intends to negotiate to acquire Image Segmentation Software and Associated Maintenance. Image Segmentation is an automated process for delineating land cover as seen on imagery into manageable units which can then be used for analysis by land resource managers. Image segmentation entails dividing digital imagery into cohesive units or regions based on both spectral and contextual spatial information. Traditionally, the process of delineating land cover into manageable units has been accomplished through the use of aerial photography which was photo interpreted, and then hand digitized into a digital format suitable for a Geographic Information System (GIS). Image segmentation has replaced this process as a cost effective solution to an important information need in the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS). Given the cost structure of the current image segmentation software used in the USFS and a need for additional users to have access, a more cost effective solution is needed. This will, in part, be achieved by moving Image Segmentation Software services to a central location in the USFS at the Remote Sensing Applications Center (RSAC) located in Salt Lake City Ut. The attached Performance Work Statement provides the requirements for this software acquisition and associated maintenance. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested. Request for Proposal (RFP). AG-7604-S-11-0085 is a combined synopsis/solicitation for Image Segmentation Software. Submit written offers only, oral offers will not be accepted. All firms or individuals responding must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-50. It is the contractor's responsibility to be familiar with applicable clauses and provisions. Clauses and provisions can be found at https://www.acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html. This procurement is being issued as open market. North American Industrial Classification Standard 423430 or like. Vendors who do not fit this can still submit their Proposal. Proposals submitted from GSA Schedule and non GSA Schedule holders will be accepted. The Government will accept the offer that is considered the most advantageous (best value) to the Government using a performance/cost trade-off method of selection. The Government's source selection decision will be based on the following factors, listed in descending order of importance: (1) Technical, (2) Cost, and (3) Past Performance. The Technical factor is more important than cost in that (a) all acceptable offers must meet at least the minimum technical requirements specified in the Performance of Work Statement in order to be considered, and (b) offers that include technical capabilities that exceed the minimum technical requirements will be evaluated based on a performance/cost trade-off methodology. Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal/offer meets the criteria and can demonstrate their software will run on the USFS network in accordance with the factors in the Evaluation Criteria attached. The ultimate award decision will be made based on a determination of overall best value. Offeror should submit a price proposal and a technical proposal separately. Font size must be at least 11. Included in the offeror's technical portion, offeror should provide past performance information as stated of most recent and relevant projects. Include the name, any contract number, brief description, and date of the project. Also include a point of contact with email address and phone number.