Notice of Intent to Negotiate on a Sole Source Basis: Expansion of Custom Designed Network Control System.

I. AUTHORITY / METHOD OF ACQUISITION: Under authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.106-1(b), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Elite Systems, Inc., (Elite Systems), 11350 Random Hills Rd Ste 80, Fairfax, VA, 22030-6044, as the only capable source that can meet the requirements for a Custom Designed Network Control System. The North American Industry Classification System Code 541519-Other Computer Related Services, with a small business size standard of $27.5 million dollars, is associated with the requirements. II. REQUIREMENTS: NIST has built a test bed facility for studying the interactions and standards relating to communications and operation of equipment in complex scenarios. The configuration of the existing testbed is expanding, requiring development of a network control system (made up of several components) to serve as the hub of the testbed network. NIST seeks to obtain a master switch module (custom built of several components) to serve as the Network Control System (hub) of the existing and expanding testbed network. The master switch module shall be integrated into the existing testbed network. III. SOLE SOURCE RATIONALE: The initial testbed network, a custom-built platform, was designed and developed by Elite Systems under NIST award SB1341-15-SU-1105. Elite Systems possesses the sole knowledge of the design and operation of the existing testbed network. The integration of a new Network Control System will allow the custom-built platform to expand, without unnecessary modifications, seamlessly. Only Elite Systems possesses the requisite knowledge and experience to ensure 100 percent compatibility of the existing testbed network and a new custom designed Network Control System. No sources, other than Elite Systems, were identified as capable of meeting the requirements. NIST intends to issue a sole source solicitation to Elite Systems and intends to negotiate on a sole source basis Elite Systems. IV. INSTRUCTIONS / COMPLIANCE: This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals or quotations and no solicitation document will exist for this requirement. However, companies interested in responding to this notice may submit technical data, including price and sufficient documentation for NIST to determine capabilities and qualifications in meeting the requirements. All responses received by the closing date of this notice will be considered by NIST. A determination by the NIST not to compete based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the NIST. Companies interested in responding to this notice: 1. May submit their capabilities and qualifications to meet the requirements, in writing via e-mail, to Mario Gray using e-mail address: mario.gray@nist.gov, with the notice number referenced in the subject line of the e-mail. 2. Shall submit their responses by no later than the closing date of this notice. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.