The U.S. EPA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with HBM, Inc. for three inline torque meters for the U.S. EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. NVFEL already utilizes many HBM T40b inline torque meters in their test cells. The HBM torque meters have a unique wiring pinout, signal conditioning and mechanical bolt pattern which NVFEL has standardized its test cells around. These new torque meters are meant to be direct replacements and could be interchanged with the ones currently in use. If another product is used, a significant rework of the test cell would be required costing additional time and resources. This rework would involve fabricating new mechanical adapters to the dynamometer drive shaft (four days' work + $20k in machine shop costs) as well as rewiring that channel to the test cell controller as it will have a different wiring pinout and signal requirements (2 days' work). This will result in a firm-fixed price contract. We anticipate issuing a solicitation on or about August 9, 2017. The anticipated award date is August, 2017. This procurement will be accomplished under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Notices of any amendments to this FedBizOps synopsis, will be posted using the FedConnect web portal at www.fedconnect.net. FedConnect is a web portal that connects agencies and vendors to streamline the process of doing business with the federal government. Through FedConnect contractors will be able to receive, review and respond to contract pre- and post-award actions and documents such as correspondence, request for proposals, tasking instruments and contract modifications. The use of FedConnect also furthers the EPA's commitment to moving towards a paperless acquisition environment by reducing its carbon footprint and conducting its business in an ecologically friendly manner. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirements. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETATIVE QUOTATIONS. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Sources wishing to be considered by the agency MUST submit documentation to the office identified in this notice. Documentation must be submitted within 15 calendar days of the date of publication of this notice. Offerors must register with FedConnect as an interested party to submit questions and to view responses. Telephone requests for the request for quotation will not be honored. To register in FedConnect vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. Please note that vendors MUST have their SAM profile set to "public" otherwise FedConnect will not be able to access the SAM information required to validate vendor credentials. There is no charge for registration in FedConnect or SAM. For assistance in registering or for other FedConnect technical questions please call the FedConnect Help Desk at (800) 899-6665 or email at
[email protected]. For technical issues or questions regarding FedConnect, either email
[email protected] or call 1-800-899-6665. The FedConnect Support Center is staffed Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., EDT, except Federal holidays. You may also find the FedConnect Ready, Set, Go tutorial helpful for tips on setting up and managing your company's account: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/Marketing/Documents/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf