Notice of Intent to Single Source

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE: Pursuant to FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), NorthWest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) and the Office of Management & Budget Field Delegates intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Loligo Systems, Toldboden 3, 2d floor, DK-8800 Viborg, Denmark for single award for the purchase of Loligo Systems swimming respirometers as required to conduct experiments for steelhead listed as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The swimming respirometers are essential to the Government's requirements because no other equipment is 100% compatible with our existing systems and software and would allow us to collect oxygen consumption data for free swimming fishes or assess swimming performance simultaneously. If we do not obtain swimming respirometers and accessories from Loligo Systems, we will not be able to conduct the required experiments on swimming performance and metabolism of hatchery steelhead trout required for steelhead listed as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The required supplies must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems or equipment, and the source is uniquely qualified to meet the requirement. The 5L and 10L swimming respirometers must be compatible with our existing optical fluorescence based oxygen meters, Bluetooth power strips, and PC based AutoResp3 software that controls current velocity, collects oxygen consumption data, and analyzes data to derive metabolic parameters. All of our existing respirometry equipment was supplied by Loligo Systems, and there are no other vendors producing equipment compatible with our existing equipment. Purchasing swimming respirometers compatible with our existing oxygen meters and software is essential and allows us to interface with our existing technology at a cost savings to the Federal government instead of having to purchase new oxygen meters, power switching devices and software to operate them and automate data collection. Other companies do not produce respirometers that are properly sized for our research requirements. Other companies produce swim tunnels, which do not have the ports needed for oxygen and temperature sensors required for respirometry. We could not modify the swim tunnels to include measurement ports for sensors and ensure the functionality of the equipment. Beyond the size differences and modification issues, the other vendors do not offer methods to control the current velocities in the swim tunnels that are compatible with our existing software and Bluetooth control systems. Loligo Systems have no authorized distributors. Hence, they deal directly with customers from all territories, and only authorized staff from Loligo Systems in Denmark can carry out any technical support, service, or repairs. Therefore, no other company could supply the Government's need for these products. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 334516 with a business size standard of 1,000 employees. This notice is not a request for quote/proposal and no solicitation will be issued. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that demonstrates their products capabilities and specification. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. Information can be sent to Contracting Officer, Suzanne Johnston at contact@example.gov. No telephone or facsimile requests will be accepted. This procurement will be prepared in accordance with FAR Part 13, using Simplified Acquisition Procedures and has an estimated value under $150,000.00.