Scallop_tk Software Upgrade Services

Notice of Intent: The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with the only known source (Kitware Inc.) under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), located administratively within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) intends to purchase an upgrade to the exisiting Scallop_tk detection system that was previously supplied to NOAA as a included part of the Video and Image Analytics for a Marine Environment (VIAME) underwater image analysis software package supplied by Kitware Inc. Kitware Inc. has been identified as the only known source that can provide the software upgrade services as specified below that will also meet the Government's intended use. The procurement will provide an enhanced Scallop_tk automated scallop detector package, which detects sea scallops in underwater images, with greater accuracy and speed than the current version supplied in the VIAME underwater image analysis program. The software, including both the source code and binaries, will be developed and delivered in a non-proprietary open-source format via a secure link. The delivered software will be scanned and certified free of viruses and security threats. The original Scallop_tk program was developed with no cost to the government, although some minor enhancements were included as a small part of the development of the much larger VIAME. If the National Marine Fisheries Service is unable to procure the required software upgrade it will negatively impact the National Marine Fisheries Service to accurately detect scallops in the waters off the Northeast coast of the United States. All items under this contract shall be be delivered to the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, 166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543-1026. The Government is not aware of any other vendors that can provide this specialized software upgrade services while also meeting all of the requirements listed above. The intended procurement is for software upgrade services for which the Government intends to acquire using the policies and procedures under FAR Part 12 Commercial Items in conjunction with the policies and procedures under FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions Procedures and FAR Part 12 Commercial Items. Special Notice This is the only notice to be posted. This special notice is not a request for competitive offers and no solicitation package is available. However, in order to be considered interested firms should submit its name, address, point of contact, telephone number, and a brief statement regarding its capability to provide the software upgrade services that provides the same form, fit and function as specified above. Any responses that provide for services other than that specified must be accompanied by descriptive literature and show it meets the same form, fit and function. Please include the name, telephone number, and point of contact for businesses or other Government agencies to which your company has previously provided these software upgrade services. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. All proposals received prior to the close of this notice will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable. If no documentation is received an award will be made directly to Kitware Inc. Offerors may send their proposal via email only to james.d.moore@noaa.gov. The NAICS code for this requirement is 511210. All responsible sources may submit requested information which will be considered by the Agency. All contractors doing business with this Contracting Office (Eastern Region Acquisition Division-Kansas City Office) must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) website. Vendors can register with SAM at the following website https://www.sam.gov/