Notice of Intent to Sole Source: NOAA- Satellite Ocean Color System Vicarious Calibration – Marine Optical BuoY (MOBY) Operations and Maintenance

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, firm-fixed-price contract to the University of Miami, on the basis of other than full and open competition in support of the NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), which provides and enables oceanographic, atmospheric, and terrestrial satellite data, products, and applications for diverse organizations and users world-wide, and the Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR). STAR uses innovative science and applications to transform satellite observations of the Earth into meaningful information essential to NOAA.

This effort is to maintain NOAA’s operational ocean color system vicarious calibration capability, the Marine Optical BuoY (MOBY), in support of the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) priority 2 ocean color requirements and existing NESDIS MOUs. MOBY must continue to be metrologically traceable to SI units.

If awarded, the proposed subject contract action will be awarded using "other than full and open competition" procedures citing the authority at 10 USC 3304(a)(2), as implemented by FAR 6.302-2, Unusual and Compelling Urgency.

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. Sarah McKim, Contracting Officer at sarah.mckim@noaa.gov with a courtesy copy to Ms. Keami Estep, Contracting Specialist, at keami.estep@noaa.gov.