59 -- 10 MHz HALF-WAVE DIPOLE TRANSMITTING ANTENNA

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Time and Frequency Division proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) with Valcom, Ltd. for the purchase of a 10 MHz half-wave monopole transmitting antenna system to be located at the radio station WWVH in Kauai, Hawaii. The antenna needs to consist of a fiberglass whip less than 50 feet in length, stainless steel guy wire system, and stainless steel mounting plate. It will be installed at the center of a circular ground screen. The ground screen will consist of 36 radials, each 15 m (49.2 ft) long, with a 3.6 m (12 ft) by 3.6 m (12 ft) mesh screen at the center of each plane. The antenna array will be located very close to the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean. In order to resist the corrosive effects of this harsh marine environment, it will need to be constructed of a hollow tapered cylinder made of circular and longitudinal layers of fiberglass and thermosetting epoxy resin with copper braids laid parallel in a single-turn spiral of epoxy-fiberglass over copper. The antenna needs to be designed for service in winds of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) and survive hurricane force winds of 150 miles per hour (240 km/h).This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). This synopsis is issued for information only. Based on our market research, Valcom, Ltd. is the only vendor who can meet the required specifications. No competitive solicitation is planned. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and must address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing to the attention of Ms. Rima (e-mail preferred). Anticipated award date is February 23, 2006.