FA7000-12-T-0080

The 10th Contracting Squadron, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Colorado has received a Sole Source justification for the purchase of three (3) Aircraft Novatel Integration Kits, one (1) Novatel GS Upgrade (for the Ground Station), and three (3) DGPS Piccolo Software Licenses to Cloud Cap Technology, Inc., 2621 Wasco St., Hood River, OR 97031-2014; award will be written for three kits, one GS upgrade, and three software licenses. This procurement is for the acquisition of a sole source commercial item using simplified procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13. The North American Industry Classification System Code [NAICS] is 334511 and the size standard is 750 employees. The Academy Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Research has done extensive research on technologies for UAS. There is only one known responsible source and no other item will satisfy the current USAFA requirement. Significant time and expense has been invested in using Cloud Cap Technology's Piccolo autopilot avionics system. In order to proceed with research, the USAFA UAS Center needs to purchase upgrade to the Novatel Differential GPS system that will work with existing Piccolo autopilot avionics systems. Cloud Cap Technology must perform the upgrade on the existing ground station and provide Piccolo software licenses, as well as provide aircraft integration kits specifically compiled to meet requirements for the Academy. The Piccolo system has become a standardized platform for the flight control and payload software systems that are being researched. Abandoning the Piccolo avionics system would result in existing software and hardware systems becoming incompatible and requiring new payload, ground station and operational techniques. This synopsis is for notification purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT submit a bid/quote at this time. Any offerors believing they can provide an equal product that meets all of the features and functionality of the Novatel Differential GPS system with all of the features and functions of the requirement described above may provide evidence for consideration. Evidence must support the offeror's claim they can either provide an equal product or they are an authorized distributor/wholesaler for the Novatel Differential GPS system. It is the offeror's responsibility to provide their product is an equal by demonstrating their product, at a minimum, has the same features and functionality of the brand name product. Providing brochures, specifications and/or quotes alone is not enough for the government to make a decision. The offeror should provide an understandable comparison between the two products. The Government is not responsible for developing the comparison from insufficient information provided. All qualified sources may submit a response, which if timely receives, will be considered by this agency. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determine whether a sole source procurement, and or a competitive procurement can be conducted. A determination that equal products exist or a determination to compete this proposed procurement based on the response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses must be received NLT 5:00 pm MDT on 31 August 2012. Responses received after this will be considered late IAW FAR 52.212-1(f) and will not be evaluated. Delivery is to be made to the 2354 Fairchild Dr., DFCS at the U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840. FOB: Destination. Unique Item Identifier (UID) [DFARS 252.211-7003] applies to this requirement. This synopsis is for notification purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT submit a bid/quote at this time. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this announcement. Contractors must have a current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) at http://www.sam.gov along with current Online Representations and Certifications. Questions should be addressed to the Primary POC Olivia Gorman, Contract Specialist, (719) 333-4683 or sent via e-mail to olivia.gorman@us.af.mil. 5352.201-9101 OMBUDSMAN (APR 10) (a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the party to another official who can resolve the concern. (b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). (c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, concerned parties may contact the USAF Academy Ombudsmen, Kelly S. Snyder 8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103 USAFA, CO 80840 Telephone number 719-333-2074 FAX 719-333-9018 email: kelly.snyder@us.af.mil Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the MAJCOM/DRU level, may be brought by the concerned party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (703) 588-7004, facsimile number (703) 588-1067. (d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. (e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer. (End of clause)