Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Sensor Deployment
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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Cold Regions Research Laboratory (CRREL) intends to award a sole source contract to Mount Washington Observatory for sensor deployment support services near the summit of Mount Washington, New Hampshire. This effort supports research into fiber optic sensor systems in extreme environmental conditions. Responses from interested parties are due May 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
CRREL requires services for a sensor deployment starting in 2026, with a Period of Performance of one 12-month base period and three 12-month option periods. The required services include:
- Support Services: Field support and data products as detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).
- Data Products: Raw and formatted meteorological (MET) data from stations near the fiber-optic cable, provided at the highest sampling rate possible (e.g., hourly), with monthly summary reports.
- Site Access: Access for up to 10 CRREL personnel for scouting, data download, and cable maintenance. This also includes housing interrogator units with continuous power and coordination with other land rights holders (Cog Railway, Mount Washington Auto road), with the contractor handling associated fees.
- Deployment and Maintenance Support: Assistance during sensor deployment and maintenance throughout the year, as required.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Presolicitation)
- Anticipated Awardee: Mount Washington Observatory
- Duration: One 12-month base period + three 12-month option periods
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source Intent)
- Response Due: May 11, 2026, by 12:00 PM CDT
- Published: April 22, 2026
- Place of Performance: North Conway, NH
Justification & Response Process
Mount Washington Observatory is identified as the only source capable due to its unique setting (extreme, variable environmental conditions), continuous presence at the summit providing infrastructure and year-round access, operation of a dense sensor network, and proximity to CRREL technical staff. This notice is not a request for competitive quotations. However, interested parties who believe they can fulfill this requirement may submit a capability statement for review. Submissions will be considered, but there is no guarantee they will alter the Government's acquisition strategy. A determination not to compete is solely at the Government's discretion.
Additional Notes
Responses to this notice will not be considered a response to a solicitation or a request to be added to a prospective offerors list. Vendors must be actively registered in SAM, have no active exclusions, and complete FAR/DFARS representations and certifications to be eligible for award.
Contact: Tomeka McNeely (Tomeka.J.McNeely@usace.army.mil)