Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Marine Optical Buoy (MOBY) Operations and Technology Refresh

The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO) Satellite and Information Acquisition Division (SIAD) located in Silver Spring, MD, intends to award a sole source, cost-type contract to the San Jose State University Research Foundation, on the basis of other than full and open competition in support of the NOAA National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS), Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR), Satellite Oceanography & Climatology Division (SOCD) in order to support the Division’s system vicarious calibration capability.

This effort will support NESDIS/STAR’s system vicarious calibration (SVC) capability by delivering refreshed MOBY systems (MOBY 2.0) and deploying, operating, and supporting those systems, moored off the island of Lanai, Hawaii or awaiting rotation at a contractor-furnished MOBY operations facility. MOBY is required to be metrologically traceable to the International System of Units (SI).

For MOBY, metrological traceability ensures that its radiometric ocean color measurements are precise, accurate, and consistent with the goal of producing highly reliable, long-term sea-truth measurements. MOBY data is then used for system vicarious calibration of space-borne sensors collecting ocean color data. The solicitation number will be 1332KP24R0032.

If awarded, the proposed subject contract action will be awarded using "other than full and open competition" procedures citing the authority at 10 USC 2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Responsible sources may submit a capability statement for consideration. This Notice of Intent (NOI) does not constitute a formal Request for Proposal, nor does it restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach.

The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this NOI nor will it reimburse firms for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this NOI. Concerned parties should address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the Contracting Officer for resolution.

Please direct any questions regarding this NOI to Ms. Kimberly DeLong, Contracting Officer at kimberly.delong@noaa.gov with a courtesy copy to Ms. Lauren Jayne, Contracting Specialist, at lauren.jayne@noaa.gov.