NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT OF AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLE (AUV) FOR MECHANICAL AND ASTRONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL (NPS), MONTEREY, CA

The Department of Defense, through the Naval Supply Fleet Logistics Center in San Diego, intends to award a sole source contract to Hydroid LLC of Pocasset, MA for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) tailored for hydrographic survey missions using sidescan sonar, as well as autonomous oceanographic data collection. This procurement is conducted under the FAR 13.5 test program for certain commercial items and the exception to full and open competition outlined in FAR 6.302-1, without issuing a solicitation. The government considers Hydroid LLC to be the only capable source meeting its specific requirements. Although this notice is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, firms that believe they can meet the stated specifications may submit written notifications to the contracting officer, with the government reserving discretion over whether to compete the procurement based on any responses received. The contract pertains to the Mechanical and Astronautical Engineering Department at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, with an anticipated award date around August 17, 2007. The associated NAICS code is 334511, covering navigational and guidance instruments manufacturing. The procurement's place of performance and additional administrative details are managed by the Naval Supply Fleet Logistics Center, located in San Diego, CA. This action reflects the government's intent to acquire a specialized underwater vehicle for advanced research and operational purposes without engaging in full competitive procurement processes.