NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT   2

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisition Division (ERAD), Norfolk Office, using the procedures set forth in FAR Part 15, intends to award a sole source contract to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation for the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), Aircraft Operations Center (AOC). The contract will be for the purchase of a new Gulfstream 550 aircraft (G550), modified for use in supporting NOAA research and scientific programs. The contract will include an option to purchase a second new, modified G550. This is a congressionally directed effort to procure a replacement and backup aircraft for the NOAA Gulfstream IV-SP (GIV-SP; serial number 1246 and FAA registration N49RF).

The NOAA/OMAO/AOC owns and operates a GIV-SP for the purpose of high altitude weather research. The primary mission is for tropical cyclone surveillance, research, and reconnaissance during the hurricane season, starting 01 June and ending 30 November every year; however, the NOAA GIV-SP operates world-wide in tropical as well as Arctic environments. The GIV-SP, purchased new in 1995, underwent several scientific and instrumentation modifications to meet NOAA/OMAO's diverse and specialized mission requirements. NOAA intends to replace the uniquely configured GIV-SP with the G550, fully modified, from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 336411, Aircraft Manufacturing. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. However, if any other interested party believes that it can meet the requirements as set forth in Attachment 1, it may submit a statement of capabilities, which if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. A statement of capabilities must be received by 8:00 AM EST on September 24, 2018. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement 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 in the future. Evidence must be provided of ability to fully provide for the requirement within the timeframes/schedule specified. The capability statement and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to James Rall at james.rall@noaa.gov (Cc andrew.hildebrandt@noaa.gov) by 8:00 AM EST on September 24, 2018.