Notice of Intent - Sole Source, Maintenance of Hypoxia Monitoring Ulti-Buoy System
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to award a sole source purchase order to Soundnine Inc. for the maintenance, calibration, and replacement parts of its existing hypoxia monitoring Ulti-Buoy system in the Chesapeake Bay. This system is critical for real-time water quality and fish habitat assessments. Substantiating documentation from interested firms is due by April 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
This requirement covers the maintenance, calibration, and provision of replacement parts for NOAA's 10-buoy hypoxia monitoring Ulti-Buoy system. This system is deployed in the Chesapeake Bay to provide real-time data for water quality and fish habitat assessments, supporting the Chesapeake Bay Program. The system is supported through an interagency agreement with the U.S. EPA.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole Source Purchase Order (Presolicitation Notice)
- Period of Performance: September 26, 2026, through September 25, 2027
- Set-Aside: None
- Response Due: April 28, 2026
- Published: April 14, 2026
Sole Source Justification
The sole source determination is based on Soundnine Inc. being the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the only vendor producing the proprietary products used in NOAA's existing hypoxia monitoring system. The 10-buoy system is a closed-loop communication and data gathering system, requiring specific sensor compatibility without reconfiguration. Soundnine does not train, authorize, or certify third-party service providers for maintenance or updates, meaning no other vendors are equipped to service the proprietary instruments.
Action Items
This is a presolicitation notice and not a request for competitive proposals. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation or a request for additional information in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days of publication. The government will evaluate these responses to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. Oral communications are not acceptable.