Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Covidence Oculus 5 Equipment

The Department of State (DOS) Office of Acquisition Management (AQM), Diplomatic Security Contracts Division (DSCD), Security Branch (SB) intends to award a sole source contract to GANS & PUGH ASSOCIATES INC, 690 CENTER ST. STE 201, HERNDON, VIRGINA, 20170 pursuant to FAR 13.106-1(b)(1): For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available.

The proposed acquisition is being made in support of DOS, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), Directorate of Cyber and Technology Security (CTS), Office of Cyber Threat and Investigations (CTI), Computer Investigations and Forensics Division to acquire Covidence Oculus 5 equipment: SEE ATTACHED EQUIPMENT TABLE/LIST The Computer Investigations and Forensics Division (DS/CTS/CTI/CIF), within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), was established in 2004 to provide DS Cybertech Special Agents and others within the Department the best possible support for criminal investigations utilizing technical surveillance equipment.

The Technical Surveillance Section has identified multiple specialized equipment and components that are integral to our existing technical investigative capabilities. As technology evolves, so has the complexities of technical investigations. To meet these challenges, the technical surveillance section has continued to use Covidence equipment as our primary concealable devices in support of video and audio operations. The proposed contractor’s unique qualifications and nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited as follows:

The proposed vendor developed and owns the propriety hardware, software, and algorithms that are used in these products and support the services specifically required for this acquisition, therefore the proposed source has the sole unique technical and other resources required for this acquisition. A request for more information, or a copy of the solicitation will not be considered an affirmative response to this Notice. Telephone responses or inquires to this Notice will not be accepted.

AQM/DSCD/SB will consider written responses received electronically no later than Tuesday, 09/17/2024 at 1:00pm ET to Sara Marron at MarronSM2@state.gov. Responses must include sufficient evidence that clearly shows your company is capable of providing the content described in this notice. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

If no written response is received by the aforementioned deadline that clearly demonstrates an ability to meet all requirements, and that is more advantageous to the Government, DOS will make an award on a sole source basis to GANS & PUGH ASSOCIATES INC. The Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.

The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. All costs associated with responding to this notice will be solely at the expense of the interested party.