Description
The U.S. EPA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b), with Fondriest Environmental, Inc. to purchase a NexSens Data Buoy, Yellow Springs International (YSI), EXOO2 Water Quality Monitoring Multiprobe and Temperature String. Fondriest Environmental, Inc. is an authorized distributor for YSI. The EPA requires Yellow Springs International (YSI), EXO2 Water Quality Monitoring Multiprobe and Temperature String and a NexSens Data Buoy. The water quality sensor must have the capabilities to measure conductivity/temperature, pH/oxidation reduction potential (ORP), dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and total algae sensors. The temperature string must provide temperature data at 2 meter increments and be compatible without retrofit to the buoy telemetry apparatus. The water quality monitoring buoy must include a coastal data buoy, cellular data logger and mooring hardware. The data logger must be compatible with Nexsens iChart software, have modular accommodation of weather station sensors and provide power in an open water situation for onboard hardware and sensors. The EPA has identified Fondriest Environmental, Inc. as the only contractor able to meet the requirements of this procurement. Fondriest Environmental, Inc. is the only contractor that offers a Data Sonde, Temperature String and Data Buoy that are compatible with our existing YSI inventory (15 sondes), which we have built up over the years. It is critical that the various components have software compatibility, continuity of data and hardware compatibility. All of the water quality sondes at the EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) in Cincinnati use proprietary YSI software. Using different software packages would increase the possibility of errors during data transfer and compilation, and would negatively affect the quality of the data collected as part of ORD research. The EPA has used YSI equipment for year round data collection for seven years. Using one type of equipment is essential for continuity of data. There is also a hardware compatibility issue when using components with different manufacturers. Water quality sensors require specific physical connections, data loggers, and power sources. Using multiple types of accessory equipment and supplies increases the annual cost of operation and maintenance. The difference in calibration and maintenance procedures for sondes also varies among manufacturers, which increases the possibility of improper calibration and maintenance when sondes from multiple manufacturers are in use. Additionally, existing installations in the field used to hold and protect the sondes during high water flow or other extreme conditions, are configured to match the shape, form and dimensions of YSI equipment. Both the sonde and water temperature string are compatible without retrofit to the buoy deployment system. For the reasons above, YSI EXO2 Water Quality Monitoring Multiprobe and Temperature String and a NexSens Data Buoy are required. YSI does not directly sell their equipment, but uses regional vendors, with only one vendor in each region. Sondes take a lot of abuse in the field. Ready access to technicians and parts is essential to maintain contiguous monitoring for the different sampling periods, which will include storms. YSI has identified Fondriest Environmental, Inc. as the only contractor in the region able to meet the requirements of this procurement. Fondriest Environmental, Inc., is the only authorized distributor in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania to sell, service and upgrade this equipment. This procurement will be accomplished under FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13 Procedures. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTATIONS. Any firm that is capable of meeting EPA's requirement as set forth above may submit a response; which, if received within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of this announcement, will be reviewed for consideration. A determination not to compete the described requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses to this posting must be submitted via the FedConnect website at https://www.fedconnect.net. Mail, fax, phone and email submissions shall not be accepted. One or more of the items under this acquisition is subject to Free Trade Agreements. EPA anticipates that award will be made by March 21, 2017.