Notice of Intent to Sole Source- Two autonomous mobile robots for research purposes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intends to award a sole source firm fixed price purchase order to ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, LLC, for two autonomous mobile robots. CDC seeks to acquire two autonomous mobile robots, designed for research purposes, for the Robotics Lab located in NIOSH, Morgantown, WV. Two mobile robots are needed for a FY23 NORA project “Investigation on Safety and Trust when Working Alongside Industrial Mobile Robots”. During the experiment the mobile robots will move autonomously between specific waypoints in the lab. Human participants will interact with the robots by placing boxes on them. The mobile robots must be capable of autonomous navigation, navigation via the use of a controller, have a payload of at least 50 kg, be capable of having a cart attached to it, and have obstacle avoidance sensors. Zebra technology is the only company that can supply two autonomous mobile robots for research, and necessary accessories including, charging stations, maintenance, and any software packages that are required to control the robots. Zebra is the only manufacturer and seller of their robots. This contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (SAP) and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all quotations/responses received within seven (7) days of the issuance of this notice will be considered by the government. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any quotation/response should be emailed to contract specialist at [email protected] by 11:00 AM on February 22, 2022.