Notice of Intent to Sole Source
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), specifically its Marine Operations Center, intends to sole source the procurement of grooming services for the NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker’s Bow Thruster and brake rectifier to Tees White Gill of Cleveland, United Kingdom. This action is justified under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), as Tees White Gill is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Scope of Work
The required services involve the grooming, troubleshooting, and repair of existing faults on the NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker's bow thruster and its brake rectifier. The sole source determination is based on the critical requirement that these services must be completed by the OEM, Tees White Gill, due to their unique knowledge of the components and programming. Procuring from any other source is deemed likely to cause delays and potential damage due to a lack of familiarity with the specialized equipment.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Special Notice)
- Authority: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)
- Intended Contractor: Tees White Gill (OEM)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Product Service Code: J020 (Maintenance, Repair And Rebuilding Of Equipment: Ship And Marine Equipment)
- Place of Performance: CA, 92037, United States (for the NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker)
- Response Due (for challenging sole source): April 8, 2026, by 19:00 UTC (within 10 days of publication)
- Published: March 30, 2026
Evaluation
This notice is not a request for competitive proposals, and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide grooming services that fully meet the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact. Such documentation will be evaluated solely to determine whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. The Government retains sole discretion in determining whether to proceed with a competitive procurement based on responses.
Additional Notes
Market research suggests that Tees White Gill's pricing is competitive. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.
Contact: Isaac Bright (ISAAC.BRIGHT@NOAA.GOV)