Volume Graphics Software Update

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, AN INVITATION FOR BIDS, OR A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. FURTHER, IT DOES NOT REPRESENT A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR COSTS INCURRED IN PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF DATA OR ANY OTHER COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.This is a Sources Sought Notice (PUR-18-0195) with the intent to award a sole source purchase order to Volume Graphics, Inc. under the authority of FAR 13.106-1 based on their unique technical qualifications as the only known company authorized to provide an upgrade of their proprietary VGSTUDIO MAX software running on X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) equipment to be upgraded to the most recent version. The same software may be installed on a second computer so that post processing of CT images can be performed concurrently on two separate computers. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) knows of no other sources for this requirement. Notice is provided as information to the marketplace, market research,

and is an invitation for any other qualified companies to express their interest in and demonstrate their capability to provide the required work.The NTSB is an independent Federal agency with the primary missions of investigating civil aviation accidents in the United States and significant accidents in the other modes of transportation -- railroad, highway, marine and pipeline -- and issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.The NTSB uses VGSTUDIO MAX software manufactured by Volume Graphics to reconstruct images from an X-ray computed tomography (CT) machine. The NTSB has a need to upgrade the VGSTUDIO MAX software to the most recent version so that it can share those images with other users in the industry. Without this upgrade, the NTSB does not have the ability to read or alter images received from contracted work with similar machines or produce images that can be share with other users in the industry. The upgrade is necessary so that the NTSB has software that is most recent and compatible with others in the industry. The upgrade involves installation of proprietary software by the manufacturer (Volume Graphics, Inc.). Other manufacturers do not possess the proprietary software to perform the upgrade. The NTSB relies on Volume Graphics to perform preventative maintenance service and provide software updates. Installation of software by other manufacturers would void the factory warrantee and cause the original manufacturer to terminate technical support for the software.The decision to award a sole source order is based on the fact that Volume Graphics, Inc. is the manufacturer of the VGSTUDIO MAX software running on X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) equipment and is the only known company authorized to provide an upgrade of their proprietary VGSTUDIO MAX software.Sources capable of fully satisfying the above requirements are invited to submit capability statements/expressions of interest providing the Government the necessary information to determine actual capability. At a minimum, this information, which must be prepared specifically in response to this notice should, must include: (1) identification of company or organization; (2) an assertion of existing, full capability to meet proposed requirements; (3) business/contracts/marketing office point(s) of contact; (4) notification of business size and /or special status; and (5) any additional information that may be useful to the successful procurement of the requirements, if solicited. These expressions of interest shall adhere to a five (5)-page submission limit plus web links and any specialized product descriptions. The statement of qualifications should include only information that clearly demonstrates the respondent's capabilities, expertise, and experience to provide the requirements described in this notice.General marketing material should not be included. The NTSB prefers that companies do not submit proprietary material. However, the Government recognizes that proprietary data may be a part of your submittal. If so, clearly mark such restricted or proprietary data and present it as an addendum to the non-restricted/non-proprietary information. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed purchase order based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by NTSB. Parties must submit information within three (3) days of publication of this notice. NTSB will not return capability statements and the supporting documentation submitted in response to this notice. Telephone responses and inquiries will not be accepted. You may email questions regarding this notice to the issuing office to Jacqueline M. Kennedy via email at: jacqueline.kennedy@ntsb.gov.  Contact Information: Jacqueline M. Kennedy, Contract Specialist, Phone 2023146204, Email jacqueline.kennedy@ntsb.gov Office Address :490 L'Enfant Plaza East, SW Washington DC 20594 Location: Acquisition Division Set Aside: N/A