Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition - Mauna Loa Observatory Construction
ID: 1305M322CNRMJ0057P23001Type: Justification
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATIONDEPT OF COMMERCE NOAASEATTLE, WA, 98115, USA

PSC

CONSTRUCTION OF LABORATORIES AND CLINICS (Y1DB)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/1fc0a142bdc84b5a96c01653b69bae99/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is seeking to execute a sole-source contract modification for the emergency restoration of power at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Kamuela, Hawaii. This urgent procurement is necessitated by damage from lava flow, requiring the installation of solar panels and lithium iron phosphate batteries to ensure the continuity of critical climate data collection, including the renowned "Keeling Curve." The contract modification, valued at $191,263.00, will be awarded to EPC Systems, Inc., which is uniquely qualified due to their existing relationship with the observatory and immediate resource availability. Interested parties can reach out to Darrin S. Moore at Darrin.Moore@noaa.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Darrin S Moore
    Darrin.Moore@noaa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    3 JOFOC NRMJ1000-23-00240.pdf
    The Mauna Loa Observatory requires emergency power restoration due to lava flow damage, necessitating a sole-source contract modification with EPC Service, INC. for $191,263.00. This modification, under contract 1305M322CNRMJ0057, will provide solar panels, lithium iron phosphate batteries, and installation services to restore power and data collection at the observatory. The justification for other than full and open competition is "unusual and compelling urgency" (41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(2) and FAR Subpart 6.302-2), as the observatory is crucial for high-profile climate datasets like the "Keeling Curve," and traditional power restoration is not feasible. EPC Systems, Inc. is uniquely qualified due to their existing contract for power renovations at the site, local knowledge, and immediate resource availability. A public notice will not be issued due to the urgency. The anticipated cost is deemed fair and reasonable based on prior government prices and commercial lists. Market research was limited due to the urgent nature, with EPC Systems being the only interested source. The government plans to conduct thorough market research and seek competition for future acquisitions at the Mauna Loa Observatory.
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