SoFar Smart Spotter Buoys

Synopsis: Notice of Intent to Award a Sole-Source Contract Announcement Number: NC-NA0000-23-00660 Project Title: SoFar Smart Spotter Buoys The US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division-Norfolk, VA office, Simplified Acquisition Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the statutory authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with SoFar Ocean Technologies, Inc, for smart spotter buoys (Model 30000-R). The required deliverables will permit those working in FKNMS and planning coral outplanting operations during the summer months, to avoid working during periods of elevated sea surface temperatures, especially as an El Ni'o event is forecasted for summer 2023. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 334511, Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing, with a business size standard of 1,250 Employees. Sole Source Justification The requirement is for the acquisition of live data transmitting - smart buoys to deploy at 7 reef sites throughout the FL Keys National Marine Sanctuary. These devices will be critical for A) those working in FKNMS and planning coral outplanting operations during the summer months, to avoid working during periods of elevated sea surface temperatures, especially as an El Ni'o event is forecasted for summer 2023; B) for FKNMS field staff to be substantially more effective with field operations planning as they will have access to live data concerning sea state conditions. SoFar Ocean is the only source capable of providing these instruments as required for several reasons: A) Buoys are lightweight and easy to deploy (no special equipment required) B) Are - ready to deploy out of the box as a whole unit including all sensors C) Data is available in real time on a user-friendly dashboard D) Satellite telemetry is enabled for precise location information and can be used to track the buoy in the unlikely event it becomes untethered E) Has the ability to add additional sensors along mooring line for future instrumentation buildout F) Buoys are solar-powered and ruggedized for long-term deployments Special Notice This special notice is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, nor will one be posted on Contract Opportunities. However, if an interested party believes that it is capable of meeting the requirements and be in compliance with the above justification, they may submit substantiating documentation in writing within the open period of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to contact@example.gov. Documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit a Capability Statement in accordance with the solicitation, which shall be considered by the agency if received on or before 5:00 PM EDT on June 26, 2023. The Capability Statement must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. All electronic correspondence shall have the subject line read: Announcement Number: NC-NA0000-23-00660 Project Title: SoFar Smart Spotter Buoys It is the Offeror's responsibility to ensure that any submission transmitted to the specified Government representative(s) is received prior to the due date specified herein. Offerors are highly encouraged to contact the Government representative(s) specified above prior to the solicitation's stated time and date for receipt of offers to ensure the Government has received the submission. Offers received after the date and time specified in this solicitation may be excluded from consideration. DOC/NOAA Eastern Acquisition Division requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: www.sam.gov. To register, all contractors must have a Unique Entity Identification number (UEI). The notice will remain open from 6/12/2023 to 6/26/2023.