Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Stretch Mooring

The contract seeks the procurement of two 15-meter stretch electro-mechanical cables designed to replace existing stretch hoses in NOAA’s moored data buoy systems, ensuring seamless integration with the current infrastructure. These cables are engineered as bungee-like cords with reinforced elastomer-synthetic composite construction, capable of stretching up to 1.5 times their original length to serve as a mechanical isolator between the surface buoy and subsurface instrumentation, minimizing mechanical noise and enhancing data reliability. Each cable incorporates eight 22 AWG copper conductors and four 24 AWG twisted pairs to enable bidirectional transmission of power and Ethernet communications up to 480V, with terminations utilizing 6061-T6 aluminum flanges and MCIL8 and DIL8 connectors featuring locking sleeves for secure, modular connections. The cables must support a working load of 1500kg and are to be delivered FOB destination to NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a required delivery timeline of 84 days after contract award. A composite shipping container is also included as a supporting deliverable. The procurement is issued as a sole-source solicitation under NAICS code 335999 by the Department of Commerce, NOAA, through the OAR Field Delegates in Kansas City, Missouri, with offers due by June 12, 2026. The contract incorporates a comprehensive set of Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses, including requirements for whistleblower rights, prohibitions on restrictive confidentiality agreements, System for Award Management maintenance, and commercial item terms and conditions, all subject to JAN 2026 deviations. Contractors must comply with sexual assault and harassment prevention policies under NAO 202-1106, mandating training for all personnel within 30 business days of assignment and submission of completion records to the Contracting Officer. Federal payment requirements are enforced through the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform, and noncompliance with conduct standards, safety protocols, or contractual obligations may lead to suspension of payments, subcontract termination, or contract termination for default. All deliveries must be performed in accordance with FOB destination terms, and acceptance will be conducted at the specified NOAA facility.