Purchase of CM5017O Oceanographic CO2 Coulometers

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Acquisition & Grants Office (AGO), Western Acquisition Division-Boulder (WAD), Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL), intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with UIC Inc. located in Joliet Illinois for Coulometers to be delivered to Seattle, WA

The sole source determination is based on NOAA’s requirement that UIC Inc. is the only vendor that manufactures and distributes this coulometer. PMEL’s dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) extractors have been designed and built to work with a carbon dioxide coulometer to quantify the CO2 liberated after extraction from seawater samples using a method that acidifies the sample and then quantitatively extracts the CO2 from the sample.

This model of coulometer is unique in its capabilities and unique to this manufacturer. The model 5017O is a replacement and updated model to the previously used but now discontinued model 5011. Additionally, the “O” in the name 5017O specifically stands for “oceanographic” model and represents the unique aspect of the included electronics being specifically modified for a more stable signal when used at sea.

The measurement method used by the UIC coulometers provides the climate quality (+/- 2 micromoles per kilogram of seawater) results that NOAA ocean carbon observing programs require for monitoring human-caused increases in CO2 in the global ocean.

The ocean carbon community standard operating procedures indicate that most practitioners use coulometers for these measurements, with the UIC coulometers being recognized by the broader community as providing the required stability and low uncertainty for ocean climate research (section 4 in SOP2: https://repository.oceanbestpractices.org/handle/11329/249). Further, utilizing another coulometer would require significant re-engineering of our DIC extractors, which we do not have funding to support. PMEL has standardized on this coulometer for continuity and to avoid unnecessary re-designing of existing systems. Delivery within 30 days from date of award.

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 substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. 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.