Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Installation of NOAA Science On a Sphere® (SOS) Exhibit

Summary

Description: The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) intends to solicit and negotiate a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract with BWC Visual Technology (B/W Color Prints LLC), Arvada, CO (UEI: ZL2ML4LNA3M3). The requirement is for a turnkey installation of the Science On a Sphere (SOS) exhibit at the NSOF facility. This includes proprietary SOS hardware, specialized technical installation, and ancillary site preparation (electrical, structural anchoring, and security-integrated glass doors).

Proposed Procedure

This acquisition will be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 12, using simplified procedures for the acquisition of commercial products and services as authorized by FAR 12.201-1.

Statutory Authority

This proposed contract action is for supplies and services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.103-1, "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements."

Justification for Non-Competitive Action

BWC Visual Technology is the only authorized distributor and installer of the Science On a Sphere technology in North America, as formalized under Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) CR-188. The system requires the proprietary "Wibu Dongle" hardware key and the patented "Alignment Pro" remote calibration system (U.S. Patent No. 18/188,075), both of which are exclusively held and distributed by BWC. No other vendor has the legal right to provide these components or the authorized technical support required for the SOS codebase.

Notice to Interested Sources

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals or quotations. However, in accordance with FAR standards, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. Information received will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Response Instructions

Interested parties must submit a written capability statement demonstrating their legal and technical ability to provide the proprietary SOS hardware and patented alignment technology identified above.