Water Carousel Sampler

The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to issue a purchase order on a sole source basis in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b), "Soliciting From a Single Source" to Seabird Electronics for SBE 32 Water Carousel and Associated Bottles. Seabird Electronics is the sole manufacturer and supplier of SBE 32 Water Carousels; thus, the only known source that can fulfill the replacement need of the SBE 32. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, the Government will consider all quotes received within five (5) days after the date of publication of this synopsis. A determination by the Government not to compete as a result of quotes received is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Provided hereto for informational purposes is the file documentation required at 13.106-1(b) to support soliciting from a single source. 1. This justification is written to support the sole source acquisition of one (1) each Seabird Electronics SBE 32 Carousel Water Sampler and Associated Bottles for the Marine Operations Center in accordance with FAR 13.106-1 (b), "Soliciting from a Single Source". The purchase of Carousel Water Sampler and Bottles are for use on NOAA ships in determining the chemical makeup of local waters. The water sampler system is considered mission critical and a major part of the foundation from which all observed maritime scientific studies are based. 2. The specific Carousel Water Sampler and Bottles requested is the Seabird Electronics SBE 32. The compatibility of the SBE 32 to work with current equipment aboard NOAA Ship RONALD H. BROWN is what allows scientists to execute research objectives. 3. The SBE 33 is the current carousel deck unit aboard the RONALD H. BROWN that provides real time data acquisition and control for the SBE 32 currently aboard. The software used to run the SBE 33 is included with the purchase of the SBE 32. The SBE 33 issues the commands to the water carousel actuators so bottles will open and close at desired depths. The ability to determine depths for water collection assists in gaining accurate data for the chemical makeup of local water. Seabird Electronics has confirmed that the SBE 32 is the only water carousel unit with the necessary component to receive commands from the SBE 33 unit board the NOAA Ship RONALD H. BROWN, thus a SBE 32 must be purchased to maintain compatibility. 4. It is determined that no other companies' products meet the compatibility needed between the carousel deck unit (SBE 33) and carousel water sampler (SBE 32), thereby requiring a sole source acquisition to Seabird Electronics.