Sole Source Notice: SORA Power Repairs

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD) intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106(b)(1), with small business entity SORA Power, Inc., a purchase order for the repair and refurbishment of eighteen (18) Pulse Forming Networks for the National Reconditioning Center (NRC) in Grandview, MO.

The Government intends to utilize the authority under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will satisfy agency requirements. 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 (15) days of this notice.

Sole Source Justification: The required service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems or equipment, and the source is uniquely qualified to meet the requirement. This particular component, the Pulse Forming Network, is used in the NEXRAD program's WSR-88D Doppler weather radar. Its primary function is to generate high voltage for the Klystron and without this device the RADAR would not work, negatively affecting both lives and property.

There is only one known qualified source of repair for these devices, Sora Power Inc. Sora Power certifies and attests of being the original equipment manufacturer of these Pulse Forming Network units. The U.S. Government has no data rights to these devices therefore preventing us from providing any product technical information to potential bidders. This severely limits the number of vendors who can perform quality repairs on these Pulse Forming Networks.

This particular component is critical to the WSR-88D's mission in protecting life and property while encouraging commerce. SORA is the Original Equipment Manufacturer for the Pulse Forming Network and there is no known alternative or authorized repair vendor for this particular component.

Furthermore, the time and expense required for another vendor to develop repair capabilities, and the time for the government to conduct extensive testing to qualify the component for use, will cause significant additional costs, difficulties and delays for the NEXRAD program to fulfill its critical mission. The NAICS code for this requirement is 811210. The government intends to solicit and negotiate with the only known source, SORA Power, Inc. that can provide the required services.

The Government reserves the right to solicit quotes based on the receipt of affirmative responses to this posting without further notice. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract 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 open competition to businesses other than SORA Power, Inc. All contractors doing business with this Contracting Office (Eastern Acquisition Division – Kansas City) must be registered with a valid Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number with the System for Award Management (SAM) website. Vendors can register with SAM at the following website: https://www.sam.gov.