LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PACKS

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT The US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisition Division, Simplified Acquisition Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Lithiumstart, Inc., 384 Oyster Point Blvd. Ste #16, South San Francisco, CA 94080 using the procedures in FAR Part 13, and in reference to 41.U.S.C. 253(c)(1), to provide BATA-3-40-PNB-15H lithium ion battery packs for use on the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) Self Contained Ocean Observations Payload (SCOOP) wave monitoring systems. Lithiumstart, Inc. developed a design that met the NDBC requirements from a previous design and fabrication of similar battery packs for the US military. Proprietary rights to the battery pack design reside with Lithiumstart, Inc. This battery pack carries the BATA-3-40-PNB-15H part number. Upon successful completion of the basic battery pack design the NDBC paid to have the battery-housing burst tested determined pressure relief valves or rupture disks were required for the final battery pack design. The complete battery pack was also tested to UN38.3 requirements to ensure the battery packs were suitable for air cargo transport within the housings. The BATA-3- 40-PNB-15H battery packs have a specific form fit and function within the SCOOP payload's power system. The use of an alternate battery pack would require reengineering the mechanical, electrical and operating software of the SCOOP payload which would require a significant rework to retrofit an alternate battery pack. The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), Only one responsible source. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 335911 with a business size standard of 1,250. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. However, if any other interested party believes that it can meet the requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities, which if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. A statement of capabilities must be received by 11:00am, January 25, 2017. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice 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 in the future. Evidence must be provided of ability to provide the required services. The capability statement and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to [email protected] by 11:00am, January 25, 2017.