Notice of Intent to Award a Sole-Source Contract - X-CCR Closed Circuit Rebreathers

The US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisition Division, Simplified Acquisition Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Thornton Distribution dba SubGravity, using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to provide new X-CCR Closed Circuit Rebreathers (CCR). These CCR’s will be used to conduct research, monitoring and resource protection projects in the PMNM.

This equipment allows divers to safely complete dives that require extended underwater times and/or are at greater depths. The required supplies or service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems and equipment currently in use by the NOAA Diving Program (NDP), and the source identified is uniquely qualified to meet the requirement.

Use of this specific CCR is based on consistency, uniformity and standardization of training and use of the CCRs across the NDP, as these specific units are supplementing the pre-existing equipment currently utilized by the NDP. The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), Only one responsible source.

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 339920, Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing, with a business size standard of 750 employees. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, nor will one be posted on the Contract Opportunities website. The determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

However, if any interested party believes that it is capable of meeting the requirements, and in an effort to comply with the requirements outlined in FAR 5.102, a firm may request an electronic copy of the solicitation from the Contract Specialist, Randall Chatfield, randall.chatfield@noaa.gov. All electronic correspondence shall have the subject line read:

Announcement Number: 141014-24-0135. All responsible sources may submit a Capability Statement in response to this notice, which may be considered by the agency if received on or before 11:30 AM EST on September 11, 2024. The Capability Statement must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. This notice will remain open from August 30, 2024 to September 11, 2024.