This publication serves as a notice of NOAA?s intent to negotiate a sole source contract with CLS America on behalf of the National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC). The Western Region Acquisition Division proposes to negotiate a sole-source contract with CLS America (formerly Service Argos, Inc.) for data telemetry and geolocation services. The proposed contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract. The proposed contract will be for one year from the date of contract award and will contain options for up to four additional one year periods. Over the past decade, PIFSC has deployed numerous base Argos transmitters, specifically manufactured for use with the Argos data and geolocation package, which is flown on NOAA Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES). CLS America (Formerly known as Service Argos Inc.) is the only vendor who can provide data telemetry and geolocation services for these proprietary transmitters. Pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as implemented by Part 6.302-1 of the FAR, full and open competition is not required when only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Because Fisheries has installed Argos transmitters through previous contract actions, CLS is the only vendor who can provide data telemetry and geolocation services for these proprietary transmitters. Argos is a satellite-based data collection and geo-location system dedicated to monitoring and protecting the environment. Any mobile platform carrying an Argos transmitter can be located anywhere in the world, and data from sensors connected to the transmitter can be collected, processed and distributed anywhere in the world. Location information is derived through Doppler or GPS. PIFSC has Argos transmitters deployed on fixed data buoys, drifting buoys, profiling floats, turtles, marine mammals, and other in situ tags. Among other things, these platforms provide valuable measurements of meteorological and oceanographic conditions and ecological systems. As a NOAA entity, PIFSC has access to a preferential fee structure for using the Argos system. The fee structure was negotiated under the Argos Joint Tariff Agreement (JTA). The Argos system has been operational since 1978 and was established under an agreement between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the French Space Agency (CNES). Japan and Europe have joined this international system with a decision to fly Argos on their satellites. Argos is operated by CNES subsidiary Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS) which is based in Toulouse, France. CLS has a U.S. subsidiary, CLS America, Inc., whose main office is located near Washington, D.C. CLS America, Inc., is the entity that U.S. users interact with regarding Argos service. The Government intends to negotiate a firm fixed price contract with the period of performance commencing approximately August 1, 2007. The NAICS code for this procurement is 517410 with a corresponding size standard of $13.5 million. This notice represents the only official notice of this solicitation. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, all submittals received by July 5, 2007 may be considered by the Government. All interested concerns must submit documentation in writing demonstrating their capability, expertise, qualifications, and experience to perform the necessary work to Contract Specialist Stephanie Garnett at
[email protected]. Please submit questions regarding this procurement to Stephanie at the above email address. See Numbered Note 22.