Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Test System Controller Upgrades

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE. This is not a request for competitive proposals/quotes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), hereby announces its intent to issue a sole source order/contract to Data Science Automation INC. The NAICS code for this acquisition is 541330 - Engineering Services, with a size standard of $25.5 million. Background The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts respirator performance evaluations in support of the Conformity Verification and Standards Development Branch (CVSDB) and NPPTL's respirator approval program. Throughout the program, there are multiple respirator test systems that have been developed to improve testing quality, repeatability, and ease of use. These systems were developed for specific respirator tests and have worked well for several years. However, gradual shifts in technology and equipment have made the existing test system controllers out of date. This contract will utilize the existing test system controllers that are currently in use and make updates and upgrades to the systems. The intent is to modernize the test system controllers for system compatibility, longevity, and stability. In addition, the project will fix known errors and make minor system improvements. Without system updates, the test systems are at risk of failure, which will halt work and new approvals across multiple areas of the NIOSH respirator approval program. Tasks to be performed include the following: Systems shall be compatible with NI LabVIEW 2023. Systems shall be able to function without any version of the LabVIEW software, as an option determined by the laboratory technician at the time of installation. Hardware shall be the current NI hardware generation. Hardware update shall also include spare hardware as needed to avoid system shutdowns. Vendor shall discuss test systems and controllers with laboratory staff. Known problems in existing vendor developed system components shall be addressed and corrected. Minor improvements shall be made to test system controllers, pending further discussion with laboratory staff, and limiting the adjustments to aspects that would also be under revision as part of this project. Systems shall be tested, verified, and adjusted for proper operation. Systems shall operate the same or better than the existing configurations. System functionality shall be verified by laboratory staff familiar with the test systems. Any issues found that had not previously existed in the test systems or controllers shall be addressed and corrected by the vendor. The vendor shall install all new and/or replacement components, equipment, and hardware associated with this project on site at the NIOSH locations in Pittsburgh, PA and Morgantown, WV. All tasks shall equally apply to these seven NIOSH test systems: the Gas and Vapor system, SCBA system, LRPL system, Air Flow system, CO2 Deadspace system, ABMS system, and the Breath-by-Breath system. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action will be based on responses to this notice and is solely in the discretion of the Contracting Officer. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. All vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. This action is for services which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit quotations. This is not a request for competitive quotations; however, the Government will review any/all product, capabilities, and pricing information submitted prior to the closure of this notice. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any responses should be emailed to Stephanie Reid at contact@example.gov by JUL 3, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. ET.