Shipboard Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Data to Satellite Communication via Hardware and Software

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Western Acquisition Division, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Woods Hole Group INC. The sole source determination is based on the NOAA requirement that Woods Hole Group INC. is the sole entity capable of facilitating the requirements and objectives in conjuction with the custom-engineered shipboard equipment already installed on 160 vessels.

The period of performance for this service includes a base period of 01 MAY 2024 - 30 APR 2025 with one option period which extends to 30 APR 2025 if executed. The objective is for the provider to transmit data from the tablet to PIFSC using the shipboard Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) that will send data via satellites. This work aims to receive data from fishing vessels through a satellite network.

Through this project, participants in the Hawaii and American Samoa-based longline fishery shall be provided with electronic hardware loaded with electronic reporting software, with the objective of increasing daily electronic reporting within the fleet. In order to support daily reporting, the electronic logbook software is required to submit data through satellite transmission to the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC).

Customized software has been developed for PIFSC that enables the transmission of submitting daily longline catch and effort data. The software is loaded on tablets and sends data to PIFSC via satellites. A provider is sought to facilitate the transmission of data to the tablet to PIFSC using the shipboard Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) that will send data via satellites.

The anticipated number of vessels is a maximum of 160. **This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available.** However, firms that believe they can fully meet the government's requirements may submit sustaining documentation in writing to the identified point of contact (below) within the alloted time frame after publication.

Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are NOT acceptable in response to this notice. Capability statements are due no later than 29 APR 2024 at 12:00 CST.

Be advised that all correspondence sent via e-mail shall contain a subject line that reads “143071-24-0015 / Satellite VMS Data”. To ensure your response along with any and all attachments are received, attachment(s) must be less than 20 MB [in total]. It is the responsibility of the offeror to contact the government to confirm receipt prior to the offer due date and time. Capability statements shall be submitted by email ONLY as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to the following POC: jacob.gray@noaa.gov 210.400.9512