Upgrade Audio processing hardware FSD

The Government intends to award a sole source Firm Fixed Price, contract to Gans & Pugh Associates, Inc., Herndon, Virginia to provide an upgrade to the Enhancement and Speaker (ESS) ID Section of the Forensic Services Division (FSD) which provides audio enhancement and analysis services to the United States Secret Service. ESS requests to upgrade its operational Cedar Cambridge hardware, base software Version 7 and modules, forensic audio processing system to the current hardware and software to increase the systems' functionality and efficiency. The Cedar Cambridge system was purchased eight (8) years ago and it is a dominant element within the case workflow . A sole source is required because much of the equipment is proprietary to Cedar; the geographic location of the dealer nearest to Washington DC and lastly, the requested system upgrade integrates other functions into the Cedar system. While many of these functions are found in other audio products, the integration into a single system is required to eliminate wasteful data transfers among multiple systems. Eliminating this technical hurdle reduces the time to perform exams and returns useful evidence to the field or courts. While basic functions are generally supported by other systems comparably, only the upgraded Cedar system provides the set of functions ESS requires in a single system..A complete hardware upgrade will be achieved at an upgrade price not available from other vendors. Although Cedar Audio products are sold in the US by regional vendors, Gans and Pugh Associates are the exclusive vendor for Cedar within Washington DC. In accordance with FAR 6.302-1(a)(2), only one responsible source is capable of responding due to the unique or specialized nature of the work. A determination not to compete this requirement is based on market research and is solely within the discretion of the Government. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 423430, business size standard is 1000 employees. This notice IS NOT a request for competitive quotations. However; the Government will consider all offers received not later than Thursday, August 16, 2012 @1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred in offer preparation. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement action 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. NOTE: If documents are sent via email, the contractor will be responsible for validating Government receipt by contacting the Contract Specialist Linda McAdams, linda.mcadams@usss.dhs.gov or 202-406-6788. No solicitation is available and telephone requests for information will not be taken.