This notice announces the intent by the Department of Commerce/National Marine Fisheries Service/Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, intends to a sole source award order to Aerial Imaging Solutions, Old Lyme, Connecticut, for an Unmanned Aerial System for marine research that can be safely operated by scientists in rugged, remote areas or from small vessels, and the motion sensors can be calibrated to achieve the required accuracy and precision needed for photogrammetry (i.e. quantitative estimates of object size). The aircraft must have a minimum of 6 motors (hexacopter) and be light enough to be carried over long distances and be launched and caught by hand. The aircraft must be able to calibrate its stabilization systems from a moving platform (i.e.,"boat" mode) and be able to constantly track the position of the operator while it is in flight. On loss of link with the ground station, or when the "come home" function is engaged, the aircraft must return to the location of the pilot, not to point of launch, even if the operator has moved up to 3000 m from the launch site. The award will be made using other than full and open competition procedures , only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, and Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(2). This notice of intent is not a request for quotes. It is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government. Interested parties may identify their interest by providing a capability statement not later than July 20, 2016 at 12:00PM(EST). The capability statement must provide clear and unambiguous evidence to substantiate the capability of the party to provide the required services. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition of this requirement would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government. No solicitation package is available. Oral communications will not be accepted. For any questions concerning this Notice of Intent, please direct correspondence to Susan Henderson via email
[email protected] or by fax to 508-495-2004. All correspondence must reference NFFM7320-16-03104. Telephone requests will not be honored.