The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), Antarctic Ecosystem Research Division (AERD) intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), to University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Fisheries Acoustic Lab (FAL), Seattle, WA for a self‐contained onboard computer based software program that calculates and exports metric values describing and summarizing acoustic data into ecologically relevant quantities (e.g. echometrics) from acoustic sonars that can be adapted for use with a glider.

The sole source determination is based on National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) requirement must be completely compatible in all aspects with the current systems and equipment that has been developed over the last five years. The glider and acoustic technology are proprietary and requires agreements between the Glider manufacture, the acoustic manufacturer and the FAL for the integration of this toolbox into the instruments. The suggested source is the only source capable of integrating these systems that meet specific mission requirements for the Southwest Fisheries Science Center Antarctic Ecosystem Research Division (AERD).

The Government intends to negotiate a firm fixed price contract. This Special Notice 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. Submissions are due no later than July 11, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. Responses may be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to Karen Beck at (858) 546-7004. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. It is the Government's belief that only University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Fisheries Acoustic Lab (FAL) can provide the requirement stated above.