This is a Sources Sought Notice. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Geodetic Survey (NGS), Instrument and Methodologies Branch (IMB), and Eastern Acquisition Division is conducting market research to determine potential sources capable of providing one (1) 6-axis robotic arm with controller. The NGS operates a field-based, outdoor GNSS antenna calibration facility at its Corbin, VA location. Outdoor antenna calibration requires that the antenna under test (AUT) be mounted on the end of a robotic arm, in such a way that the antenna always has an unobstructed view of the sky for observing satellite signals. These antennas and their mounting hardware may weigh up to 50 lbs. (23 kg). Robotic arms meeting the requirements can move the antenna every few seconds, pointing it at a different sky position with each movement, can sustain these movements for several hours, and can maintain position accuracy with heavy payloads. The robot will be used outdoors and intermittently for session-based operations. When not in use, the robot will be housed inside a retractable enclosure similar to an AstroHaven dome (12.5') to protect it from the environment. The robot will only be used in environmental conditions that are within specification for the robot. The robot will be integrated with existing software at NGS. Eighty hours of application engineering support or a flat fee for integration services is also required. The intent of this announcement and the information provided in response to this notice will assist the Government in identifying ALL potential sources to include small businesses and socio-economic sources that are capable and qualified to furnish the required equipment identified in the Requirements section of this announcement. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 333249, Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing. The small business size standard for this NAICS code is 500 employees. Please include your company's size classification in any response to this notice. Potential contractors must have the knowledge, skills and abilities to supply the requirement as described in the attached list of requirements. Submission of Information: Interested parties are encouraged to submit a response which supports the company's claim that it presently has the technology, qualifications, experience, and capabilities to satisfy the requirements or submit a response which identifies areas in the requirements that their company does not meet. Any interested parties are requested to provide the following information: 1. Name of Company and DUNS number. 2. Point of Contact and Phone Number 3. Size of Business according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 333249. 4. Positive statement of your interest in this procurement as a prime contractor 5. Description of how you might fill this requirement. Responses shall be no longer than ten (10) pages in length. Submit your response by 1:00 PM EST on August 8, 2017, to the Contract Specialist, Lynne Phipps via email at
[email protected]. Any questions regarding this RFI may be referred to Ms. Phipps via email. Disclaimer and Important Notes: This posting is a Request for Information (RFI) from interested vendors and is issued solely for informational and planning purposes. This posting is not a Request for Proposals or a Request for Quotations, and it is not considered to be a commitment by the Government to award a contract nor is the government responsible for any costs incurred in furnishing information provided under this RFI. No basis for claim against the Government shall arise as a result from a response to this RFI or Government use of any information provided. Further, NOAA is not seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response to this RFI. The Government reserves the right to use any information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate, including using technical information provided by respondents in any resultant solicitation. Responses will assist the Government in determining the availability of potential solutions. At this time no solicitation exists, therefore do not request a copy of the solicitation. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement.