Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Aspen Technology, Inc.

Notice of Intent: The United States Department of Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), intends to award a sole source Purchase Order to Aspen Technology, Inc. The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)(B) – Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This synopsis is being published for informational purposes only. The proposed action is for purchase and use of AspenOne software, comprised of Aspen Plus, Aspen Polymers, and Aspen Process Economic Analyzer. ARPA-E has a need to perform and evaluate chemical-related process simulations (e.g., calculate material and energy balances) and techno-economic analysis. The types of processes for which simulation or validation is required are: (i) de-polymerization of hard-to-recycle polymers (like polystyrene) into waxes, graphene, and other decomposition products via processes such as liquefaction, (ii) pyrolysis of natural gas into products like carbon and hydrogen, and (iii) natural gas power generation via combined cycles with carbon capture and storage. The AspenOne software provides accurate thermodynamic properties for a variety of components and unit operations (including solids handling) under a wide range of conditions. In addition, AspenOne allows for customization of unit operations and complex integrations and easily allows for the transformation of steady-state simulations into a dynamic state ones. For the techno-economic analysis of the proposed processes resulting from ARPA-E programs, AspenOne provides reasonably accurate estimates for equipment cost at different scales and for a variety of construction materials. In addition, AspenOne estimates operation and maintenance costs and has process optimization capabilities. Another key factor in the proposed selection of AspenOne software to meet ARPA-E’s requirement is compatibility. ARPA-E will need to validate and evaluate models developed and/or proposed under ARPA-E financial assistance programs where the majority of performers already use or plan to use AspenOne software. The applicable North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) for this requirement is 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services. Business size standard for NAICS 541511 is $30,000,000. The statutory authority for permitting other than full and open competition for this requirement is pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) and FAR Part 6 for the aforementioned requirement based on the application of FAR6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)(B), only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies, or services are unique, or highly specialized. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement in response to DOE’s intent to purchase on a sole source basis. Any capability statements shall be considered by the Government if received by 12:00 pm local (Washington D.C.) time, Monday, August 17, 2020. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government to change the acquisition strategy for the proposed requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award. You may contact SAM by telephone at 866-606-8220 or online at https://beta.sam.gov/. The anticipated award date for this acquisition is August 31, 2020. Any information, including capability statements, should be e-mailed to [email protected], no later than 12:00 pm local (Washington D.C.) time, Monday, August 17, 2020. Only inquiries/information received by this date will be considered. Be advised that all correspondence sent via e-mail shall contain a subject line that reads "89703020NAR000012, AspenOne Software.”