Visibility Calibration Kits for the National Logistics Support Center in Grandview, MO

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisitions Division-Kansas City office intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106(b)(1), with Belfort Instrument Company in Baltimore, MD, a purchase order for 20 Calibration Kits for the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) Visibility Sensor for the National Logistics Support Center in Grandview, MO.The Government intends to utilize the authority under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will statisfy agency requirements, unless, as a result of this announcement, acceptable responses to this notice are received and a determination is made by the Government to issue a competitive solicitation. The Government intends to award a purchase order to Belfort Instrument Company in Baltimore, MD.Sole Source Justification:This visibility sensor which has been

integrated into the ASOS is produced by Belfort Instrument Co. Baltimore, MD. Development of the ASOS began in 1990, and included competitive performance evaluation of sensors from various vendors. The Belfort Visibility sensor was selected based upon initial stand-alone performance. Compatibility to existing systems or equipment - The required supplies or service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems or equipment and the source is uniquely qualified to meet the requirement. This acquisition is proposed to be sole sourced Belfort Instruments as the best known qualified source of this assembly. Logistics replacement parts for ASOS are required to be form, fit, and functionally identical to the parts currently deployed on fielded systems. As this acquisition supports replacement of visibility sensors at fielded ASOS sites, they are required to be identical to the equipment currently fielded. No substitution is acceptable.All spares for this system are required to be identical to the item which was provided with the original equipment. It is not possible to substitute for this item; any logistical spares must be form, fit, and function identical to the original equipment item. Belfort Instrument considers this item as proprietary and so is the only known source of supply. The original equipment was subjected to a stringent qualification test regime which included operational testing, field testing, and environmental qualification testing. Acceptance of any item other than the original equipment would require that testing be completely re-accomplished. This is not acceptable, as it would require significant funding and time to accomplish and would result in fielded ASOS systems being unavailable during the period. For this reason, only Belfort part number 32339 are deemed acceptable at this time.This special notice is not a request for competitive offerors and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide this service may submit substantiating documentation in writing within fifteen business days of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to Abigail.green@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. If no documentation is received, award will be made directly to Belfort Instrument Company.DOC, Eastern Region 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. A Dun and Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun and Bradstreet on-line at http://www.dnb.com/eupdate or by telephone at (844) 229- 9757.