Puerto Rico Seismic Network Support for the Office of Observations in Silver Spring, MD

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division – Kansas City office intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106(b)(1), with the University of Puerto Rico a purchase order for one year of support for the Puerto Rico Seismic Network for the Office of Observations in Silver Spring, MD.The Government intends to utilize the authority under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106(b)(1), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will satisfy 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 the University of Puerto Rico.Sole Source Justification:The University of Puerto is the only vendor capable of meeting the government’s requirement. Previous market research

and internet searches revealed this requirement has been a reoccurring need since prior to 2007. Each synopsis posted on SAM.gov or FedBizOps has been treated as a sole source following FAR 13 procedures noting the University of Puerto Rico as the only responsible source capable of satisfying agency needs. While other Universities have similar capabilities in the region, only the University of Puerto Rico using the Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN) are the only entity in the region that possess the equipment and facilities required to perform on this requirement. The network of 24 broadband stations and 4 short period stations operated by the University of Puerto Rico are located throughout Puerto Rico, the US and British Virgin Islands and Eastern Dominican Republic are unique to the University of Puerto Rico. The data from these stations are used to determine the location and magnitude of an earthquake and hence the possibility of a tsunami. The University of Puerto Rico also operates six Tsunami-capable tide gauges in Puerto Rico which are designed to meet the government’s standard for tsunami and other short term (winter and tropical storms) and long term (sea level rise) phenomena. These stations are also equipped with a full suite of meteorological instruments. At this juncture, the University of Puerto Rico is the only vendor that has developed the knowledge, facilities, equipment, and processes to support this requirement.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 the University of Puerto Rico.DOC, 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. Contractors active in SAM have a unique entity identifier (UEI) that is used to do business with the federal government. The Government has moved to a free new, non-proprietary identifier that will have to be requested in, and assigned by, the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). You can register and access the site by going to www.sam.gov.