Sole Source for Engineering Support for the Washington Interagency VLBI Correlator
ID: N0018925Q0217Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE NAVYNAVSUP FLT LOG CTR NORFOLKNORFOLK, VA, 23511-3392, USA

NAICS

Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

PSC

SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: ENGINEERING/TECHNICAL (R425)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/ea1e4d9e5fc9416a8b5b9dda951e1184/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, is seeking to procure engineering support services for the Washington Interagency Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Correlator, with a sole-source contract intended for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The primary objective of this procurement is to secure specialized software support, assistance with electronic VLBI capabilities, data storage and validation, and upgrades to the Mark6 operating systems, all of which are critical for maintaining the integrity and security of geodetic VLBI data used by the U.S. Naval Observatory. This initiative is vital for enhancing the observatory's capabilities in processing Earth orientation parameters, which are essential for defining celestial and terrestrial reference frames, thereby supporting national security objectives. Interested parties may submit proposals, although the contract will not be awarded through competitive bidding, and inquiries can be directed to Jordan Walton at jordan.l.walton.civ@us.navy.mil. The contract is set for a one-year period from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Jordan Walton
    jordan.l.walton.civ@us.navy.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Combined Synopsis and Solicitation.pdf
    The document outlines a combined synopsis/solicitation for a federal procurement focused on engineering support related to Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) at the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO). The contract, referenced as N0018925Q0217, is designated for a one-year period, from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, and will be awarded on a sole-source basis to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with Small Business Administration approval. Key deliverables include software support for correlators, assistance with electronic VLBI capabilities, data storage and validation, and upgrades to the Mark6 operating systems to maintain security standards. The solicitation emphasizes the need for technical expertise in processing geodetic VLBI data, ensuring rapid turnaround times for Earth orientation parameters essential for defining celestial and terrestrial reference frames. Interested parties may submit proposals, although the contract will not follow competitive bidding due to the sole-source direction. The document also details travel reimbursement policies related to the fulfillment of the contract requirements, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Overall, this initiative aims to enhance the USNO’s VLBI infrastructure capabilities while ensuring national security through improved data handling processes.
    Sole Source Justification Redacted.pdf
    The document outlines a sole source justification for procuring services from MIT Haystack for the validation of IVS data used by the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO). Due to MIT’s unique expertise and infrastructure in maintaining the standard IVS data format, they are deemed the only institution capable of quarantining and validating potentially compromised international data before it reaches USNO's DiFX correlator. This process mitigates risks associated with data reliability from foreign sources, particularly impacting the Department of Defense's Continuity of Operations Plan. The justification notes that compatibility with existing systems is essential, and that the new services represent direct replacements for current equipment. The document emphasizes the lack of alternative providers capable of fulfilling these requirements in the necessary timeframe, thus necessitating a sole-source contract with MIT Haystack for secure data transfer services.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Sole Source for Engineering Support for the Washington Interagency VLBI Correlator
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    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
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