Vaisala Lightning Detection Sensors Maintenance and Software Updates

***The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Acquisition & Grants Office (AGO), Western Acquisition Division-Boulder (WAD), Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Air Resources Laboratory/ Special Operations & Research Division (ARL/SORD), intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Vaisala Inc located in Louisville, CO for Lightning Detection Sensors Maintenance and Software Updates to be performed at Las Vegas, NV. ***The sole source determination is based on NOAA’s requirement that Vaisala Inc is the only vendor that manufactures and distributes this service. Vaisala Inc. is the only manufacturer of these lightning sensors, software, and systems and are the only ones that have the capability to service, maintain and update the hardware and software. Other vendors and systems were sought, but there were no comparable systems found that would accomplish the mission required. The current lightning system operated by ARL/SORD is comprised of proprietary software and hardware previously purchased from Vaisala Inc. Vaisala has developed a system and technology that is unique and has developed an expertise in lightning detection science. In addition, Vaisala is the sole manufacturer of these sensors and developer of processing software. The Vaisala Lightning Detection sensors (LS7002) and the processing software are proprietary. Changes, updates, and improvements to these systems are solely the responsibility of Vaisala. The user has no access to alter system hardware or software. Therefore, it is required to have Vaisala maintain and update these systems. Period of Performance: Date of award to 04/16/2026 plus three option years ***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such 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 responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.