Autonomy System Installation and Configuration Updates

Synopsis:  Notice of Intent to Award a Sole-Source ContractAnnouncement Number: 1305M2-21-Q-00782Project Title: Autonomy system installation and configuration updatesThe US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division-Norfolk, VA office, Simplified Acquisition Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the statutory authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with Land Sea Air Autonomy LLC. NOAA/National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of Coast Survey (OCS) requires Optionally-Crewed Hydrographic Survey Launch (OHSL) autonomy system installation and configuration updates to the autonomy system installed on the R/V Rainier. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 541519, Other Computer Related Services, with a business size standard of $30 million.Sole Source JustificationLand Sea Air Autonomy LLC designed, manufactured, and installed the autonomy system on two NOAA

hydrographic survey launches (HSL) and conducted shipboard training for the crew of the NOAA Ship Rainier. An option for a third installation has been contracted and is pending completion aboard the NOAA Ship Fairweather. The HSL is a diesel-powered small boat that is operated by NOAA crews from NOAA Hydrographic Survey ships to conduct seafloor mapping operations in the vicinity of the ship.The autonomy system does not have a commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) equivalent and includes proprietary software and hardware components. There is no other responsible source and no other type of supplies or services that will satisfy the agency requirements for necessary updates and technical support of the system. The autonomy system allows the HSL to be operated traditionally with a crew on board or remotely monitored or controlled while the HSL executes pre-programmed instructions with no crew on board. As the designer, manufacturer, and installer of the autonomy system, Land Sea Air Autonomy LLC is the only source of technical support, training, and system improvements.Special NoticeThis special notice is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, nor will one be posted on Contract Opportunities.  However, if an interested party believes that it is capable of meeting the requirements and be in compliance with the above justification, they may submit substantiating documentation in writing within the open period of this notice.  Responses can be sent via e-mail to natasha.thieman@noaa.gov.  Documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.All responsible sources may submit a Capability Statement in accordance with the solicitation, which shall be considered by the agency if received on or before 9:00 AM EDT on July 14, 2021.  The Capability Statement must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. All electronic correspondence shall have the subject line read: Announcement Number: 1305M2-21-Q-00782Project Title: Autonomy system installation and configuration updatesIt is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure that any submission transmitted to the specified Government representative(s) is received prior to the due date specified herein. Offerors are highly encouraged to contact the Government representative(s) specified above prior to the solicitation’s stated time and date for receipt of offers to ensure the Government has received the submission.  Offers received after the date and time specified in this solicitation may be excluded from consideration.   DOC/NOAA Eastern Acquisition Division requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: www.sam.gov. To register, all contractors must have a Dun and Bradstreet number (DUNS). A DUNS may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun and Bradstreet at http://www.dnb.com/eupdate or by telephone at (800)333-0505.The notice will remain open from 6/29/2021 to 7/14/2021.