Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source - Sommer USH-9 Snow Depth Sensors

USDA NRCS intends to purchase Sommer USH-9 Snow Depth Sensors on a Sole Source basis. See attached document for a product description. THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AND IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requires electronic components for hydro-meteorological data retrieval.

Kisters North America/HyQuest Solutions (identified as 'Kisters' throughout the remainder of this document) provide the USH-9, which is an ultrasonic sensor for the precise, continuous and non-contact recording of snow depths. The robust design, a special ultrasonic head as well as an extremely low energy consumption makes the USH-9 a suitable system for extreme weather conditions and for high alpine terrain. These USH-9 snow depth sensors meet NRCS Standards and Specifications identified in the General Manual.

The USH-9 sensors will provide the NRCS Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program the required data collection equipment required for use in mission critical operations, such as water supply forecasting and drought monitoring for sites in the SNOTEL network. The USH-9 is the only snow depth sensor on the market which uses a ceramic sounding unit, which is required for the proper studies to be performed and for accurate information to be obtained by NRCS.