Special Notice Number: NFFN7110-21-01642 

NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Fisheries Science Center,  intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), to Undersea Vehicles Program Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina.  The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS), requirement for equipment and personnel to conduct Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) dives along the outer continental shelf between depths of 50 and 300m to collect video and still imagery and to also collect samples of sessile benthic invertebrates.  The Undersea Vehicles Program at UNCW has completed previous work for this project and the consistent use of similar imaging systems (camera resolution, field of view, tracking system accuracy, etc.) and ROV pilots who are familiar with the project requirements is needed to reduce systematic variance introduced by equipment and operators.  Additionally, operating an ROV in the extremely dynamic environment of the Gulf Stream requires a unique skill set which is possessed by UNCW.   The period of performance for the service is May 2021 – May 2022 with one (1) option period. 

The associated North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code is 541715 and the business size standards in number of employees is 1,000.

The Government intends to negotiate a firm fixed price contract.  This Special 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.  Submissions are due no later than May17, 2021 at 1:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.  Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.  Responses may be emailed to [email protected].  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 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 Undersea Vehicles Program, Center for Marine Science - University of North Carolina can provide the requirement stated above.

Attachment - Single Source Determination