Sole source Sacramental Peak Observatory electrical power services

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is conducting market research pursuant to FAR Part 10 and FAR Part 41 to determine whether any sources other than Otero County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Otero Electric) are capable of providing electrical utility services to the Sacramento Peak Observatory (Sac Peak) located in Sunspot, New Mexico.

NSF intends to award a sole-source contract to Otero Electric for the continued provision of electrical utility services for Sac Peak. Based on market research conducted to date, Otero Electric is the only known provider capable of furnishing electrical utility services through the existing electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure serving the site.

Sac Peak is a federally owned scientific research facility consisting of laboratories, administrative buildings, utility systems, access roads, and specialized scientific infrastructure, including the Dunn Solar Telescope and associated support equipment. NSF is responsible for the continued maintenance, and protection of Government-owned property and infrastructure located at the site.

Continued electrical utility services are required to support all site maintenance operations, including facility maintenance, communications systems, security and surveillance equipment, information technology systems, environmental controls, water and wastewater systems, and other critical infrastructure. Uninterrupted electrical power is necessary to ensure the continued operation, protection, and stewardship of Government-owned property and facilities located at Sac Peak.

This notice is for market research purposes only and is not a request for competitive quotations or proposals. All responsible sources interested in responding to this notice may submit a capability statement that shall be considered by the Government. Any capability statement shall include the following information:

1. Information demonstrating responsibility in accordance with FAR Part 9;
2. Technical evidence demonstrating the capability to provide uninterrupted electrical utility services to the Sac Peak through the existing electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure serving the site;
3. Past performance information on similar electrical utility service requirements in remote location; and
4. The contractor's socioeconomic status (8(a), Woman-Owned Small Business, HUBZone, etc.).

The capability statement must provide clear and unambiguous evidence demonstrating the ability to provide electrical utility services to the Sac Peak through the existing infrastrcture without substantial duplication of cost or unacceptable delays.

A request for documentation, or submissions that only ask questions, will not be considered an affirmative response to this notice. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice nor will it reimburse any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response.

Capability statements are due no later than 12:00 PM Eastern Time on July 30, 2026. It is the responsibility of the respondent to confirm receipt by the Government prior to the deadline.