Intent to Sole Source – Non-Personal Services for Calibration/Repair/Maintenance and Purchase of Sea-Bird Electronic (SBE) Instruments
ID: 143071-26-0004Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATIONUS

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/ed2991f7b3ba437f8cdc248eccc5fb0e/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), intends to award a sole source contract to Sea-Bird Electronics for the procurement of 60 new SBE56 temperature sensors and the repair and calibration of 43 existing sensors. This acquisition is critical for the upcoming FY26 National Coral Reef Monitoring Program mission, which focuses on measuring ocean temperature for climate change research in American Samoa and the Pacific Remote Island Areas. The necessity for identical sensors from Sea-Bird Electronics arises from the need to maintain data and operational continuity, as they are the only authorized manufacturer capable of providing the required equipment and services. Interested parties may contact Stephanie Fisher at STEPHANIE.FISHER@NOAA.GOV or by phone at 808-725-5633, with the total estimated value of the procurement being less than $250,000 and a delivery deadline set for March 20, 2026.

    Point(s) of Contact
    FISHER, STEPHANIE
    (808) 725-5633
    STEPHANIE.FISHER@NOAA.GOV
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    SBE_Sole Source_sam.gov_Redacted.pdf
    The Department of Commerce's Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) requires a single-source acquisition of 60 new SBE56 temperature sensors and the repair/calibration of 43 existing SBE56 sensors from Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. These sensors are crucial for the upcoming FY26 National Coral Reef Monitoring Program mission in American Samoa and the Pacific Remote Island Areas, measuring ocean temperature for climate change research. The justification for a single-source procurement is based on the need for data and operational continuity and integrity, as only Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. can manufacture identical replacement sensors and is the sole entity authorized to repair and calibrate their equipment. Market research indicated that comparable sensors from other manufacturers showed poorer field performance. This acquisition, under simplified acquisition procedures, is deemed essential to avoid compromising the integrity of collected oceanographic data and ensure the successful execution of PIFSC's science mission.
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