Sole Source: Vaisala Model 221030 USB-M12 Service Cables

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisitions Division-Kansas City office, intends to award a purchase order on a sole-source basis to Vaisala Inc., located in Louisville, KY, for 150 of the Vaisala Model 221030 USB-M12 Service Cables as spares to replenish the ASOS Stock.

This action is under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), which allows for sole-source awards when only one responsible source is available and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Government will utilize this authority unless acceptable responses to this notice are received, leading to a determination by the Government to issue a competitive solicitation. If no such responses are received, the Government intends to proceed with awarding the purchase order to Vaisala Inc. in Louisville, KY.

Sole Source Justification: This action is to procure the Vaisala Model 221030 USB-M12 Service Cable (USB PC Connection Cable 8 pin M12, RS-485, Powering; compatible with HMP155) to provide technicians with the mission-critical capability to connect to, configure, and maintain the Vaisala HMP155E Temperature and Relative Humidity Sensor in the field.

The Vaisala Model 221030 USB-M12 Service Cable is the only cable that is both compatible and reliable with the Vaisala Model HMP155E Temperature and Relative Humidity Sensor. The Vaisala HMP155E Sensor provides essential temperature and relative humidity measurements to the National Weather Service (NWS) via the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS).

ASOS is the nation’s primary surface weather observing network, supporting weather forecast activities, aviation operations, and the needs of the meteorological, hydrological, and climatological research communities. Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the necessary level of quality because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized.

Vaisala, Inc. is the sole manufacturer and provider of the Model 221030 USB-M12 Service Cable at the required level of quality and reliability. The Vaisala HMP155E Temperature and Relative Humidity Sensor will be inoperable on the existing and future Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) if this acquisition is not completed, resulting in critical mission impacts.

Vaisala’s Model 221030 USB-M12 Service Cable is the only maintenance cable that meets the agency’s needs This special notice is not a request for competitive offers, and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide this supply may submit substantiating documentation in writing within fifteen business days of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to tyran.claypool@noaa.gov.

Documentation will be evaluated solely to determine whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. The Government's decision not to conduct a competitive procurement, based on responses to this notice, is at its sole discretion. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. If no documentation is received, the award will be made directly to Vaisala Inc. The Government will give price preference to U.S.-made products.

The DOC, 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 visit www.sam.gov.