Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation, Notice of Intent. The Administrative Office in East Lansing, MI, for the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture intends to issue an award to Topcon Solutions Store, 297 Commonwealth Dr., Carol Stream, IL 60188. This is a sole-source procurement under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. This requirement of the Soil Drainage Research Unit (SDRU), MWA, ARS, USDA at Columbus, OH is for:An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is required for research in which information related to subsurface drainage needs to be obtained within agricultural settings. Specifically, this UAV will be employed to precisely map drainage pipe patterns, topography, and vegetation characteristics in large farm fields. To conduct these aerial mapping surveys, a UAV integrated with real time kinematic (RTK) GPS technology will be needed, along with

high resolution cameras capable of obtaining aerial imagery in blue, green, red, red edge, near infrared, and thermal infrared bandwidths. The items needed follow:UAV - eBee Plus RTK/PPK• Ready to fly mini drone with built-in autopilot for fully autonomous navigation incl. take-off and landing and automatic control of the on-board camera• System includes senseFly S.O.D.A. RGB camera• 2.4GHz USB radio modem EB for data link• 2.4Ghz RC (in case a safety pilot is required)• 2 batteries• 1 Single charger for battery• 1 propeller pack (2 per pack)• 1 spare rubber bands pack (10 pack)• 1 EPP glue• 1 hard shell case (with space for all material)Software - Pix4Dmapper ProAdditional Camera (Red Edge and Near Infrared Capabilities) - Sequoia with EB integration KitAccessories• ESEP Wing Pair• ESEP Propeller (2 pack)• ESEP Rubber Bands (10 pack)• 2 ESEP Batteries• ESEP Single Charger• EP Underbody Skin• EP Vertical Surfaces (Pair)Training - Full System Training (Up to 4 People) Includes• Full UAV systems operation training• Full data post-processing training• Usually takes 2 days depending on the weather and number of attendants• Training dates are to be advised according to the weather conditions• Training fee is for 1-4 attendants, training for more people is available at extra cost• Own PC/laptop will be required during the course for every trained person• Training is conducted in TSS training facility (Carol Stream, IL)Product Support• Includes one year of free support over the phone or via e-mail's• Support subscription covers only personnel trained by TSSInterested parties should submit written (mail or email) responses including prices and technical data sufficient to determine capability to meet the entire requirement and must be received in this office within 10 calendar days after publication of this notice. It should be noted that no contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice, but will be used to determine if a comparable source more advantageous to the Government is available. If no affirmative written responses are received, negotiations will be held with Topcon Solutions Store without further notice. This acquisition is being conducted under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, Simplified Acquisition Procedures.SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION:Upon the basis of the following justification, I, as Contracting Officer, hereby approve the use of other than full and open competition for the proposed contractual action pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C.2304(c)(1), FAR Subpart 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.JUSTIFICATION1. Agency and Contracting Activity (FAR 6.303-2(a)(1)).USDA, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, Contracting Office, East Lansing, Michigan2. Nature/Description of Action(s) (FAR 6.303-2(a)(2)).a. This contracting action is to obtain an unmanned aerial vehicle.3. Description of Supplies/Services (FAR 6.303-2(a)(3)).(see 1st paragraph)4. Identification of Statutory Authority (FAR 6.303-2(a)(4)).10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1), FAR Subpart 6.302-1. The services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source and no other type of services will satisfy the Agency requirements.5. Demonstration of Contractor's Unique Qualifications (FAR 6.303-2(a)(5)).a. Only one responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will satisfy Agency Requirements (FAR 6.302-1(a)(2))(1) FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) states,"When the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source, or for DOD, NASA, and the Coast Guard, from only one or a limited number of responsible sources, and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, full and open competition need not be provided for."(2) A thermal infrared aerial imagery camera has already been obtained (senseFly thermoMap), so the UAV to be purchased will have to be compatible with this particular camera. The only UAV compatible with this camera, and also having integrated RTK GPS technology, is the senseFly eBee Plus RTK/PPK6. Federal Business Opportunities - FedBizOpps.gov (FBO) Announcement/Potential Sources (FAR 6.303-2(a)(6).As per the terms of this announcement as this is the first and (anticipated) only need for this specific combination of product and service.7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost (FAR 6.303-2(a)(7).If the unmanned aerial vehicle is not compatable with the ThermoMAP camera already purchased the camera will have to be replaced and it would make the procurement an unreasonable cost..8. Description of Market Research (FAR6.303-2 (a)(8).USDA/ARS is constantly surveying the market and from this experience knows that the item is proprietary and only available from the vendor identified.9. Any Other Supporting Facts (FAR 6.303-2(a)(9))Due to the nature of the item needed, at this time there is only one source available.10. Listing of Interested Sources (FAR 6.303-2(a)(10).No other sources are available at this time.11. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition (FAR 6.303(a)(11)).Vendor surveys are done from time to time to see if other existing items can meet the research requirements12. Technical Requirements and Certifications; (FAR 6.303-1(b) and FAR 6.303-2(b)I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this justification and which form a basis for this justification are complete and accurate.CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION: (FAR 6.303-1(A), 6.303-2(A)(12)I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.//s//Name:LuAnn TherrianTitle: Contracting Officer Contact Information: LuAnn K. Therrian, Phone 517-337-6825, Fax 517-337-6776, Email luann.therrian@ars.usda.gov Office Address : Location: Midwest Area Set Aside: N/A