Windscreens and Curved Rods for the Automated Surface Observation System Heated Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge for the National Logistics Support Center in Grandview, MO

The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), intends to award a sole-source firm-fixed-price purchase order to ETI Instrument Systems for the procurement of tipping buckets and curved rod support spares for ASOS replenishment at the National Logistics Center in Grandview, MO. This procurement will be conducted under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), which permits sole-source awards when only one responsible source can meet the agency's requirements.

However, if acceptable responses to this notice are received, the Government may consider issuing a competitive solicitation. The intended award is for 70 Windscreen Assemblies and 10 curved rods to ETI Instrument Systems for the National Logistics Support Center in Grandview, MO. Sole source Justification The Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) utilizes a Friez Engineering Heated Tipping Bucket (HTB) to report precipitation at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) locations. All HTBs are identical.

Tipping Bucket Rain Gauges often experience under-reporting (i.e., inaccuracies) during blowing precipitation events. To mitigate this under-reporting, a windscreen is used to disrupt the flow of air around the gauge, thereby improving reporting accuracy. The ASOS systems underwent extensive and detailed testing of the HTB and the ETI windscreen before full-scale deployment. This is the only windscreen certified for use on ASOS.

The unique mounting requirements of ASOS instruments necessitate a single mounting pedestal for both the HTB and windscreen. No other windscreen is known to meet this mounting requirement. With over 800 FAA ASOS systems deployed, it would be cost-prohibitive to perform site modifications required to accommodate another windscreen. This special notice is not a request for competitive offers, and no solicitation package is available.

However, firms that believe they can provide this service may submit substantiating documentation in writing within fifteen business days of this notice. Responses can be sent via email to tyran.claypool@noaa.gov. Documentation will be evaluated solely to determine whether this procurement should be conducted 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 will not be accepted in response to this notice. If no documentation is received, the award will be made directly to ETI Instrument Systems. 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.