NOTICE OF INTENT TO RENEW TOWER AND SHELTER SPACE NEAR HOWE, ID

NOAA Lease 21WSR0230C

1. Nature and/or description of the action being approved. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) currently leases tower (40' AGL) and shelter space on property located in Howe, ID.  The current lease is set to expire September 30, 2025.  NOAA intends to negotiate and exercise a 5 year renewal option at the existing location.  

2. Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including estimated value).

On May 8th, OAR confirmed their continuing need for the tower lease.  After completing market research and Cost Benefit Analyses for potential locations in Howe, ID, it was determined that it is in the best inerest of the Government for NOAA's tower and related infrastructure to remain in place.  

In an effort to provide uninterrupted service for NOAA, the Government inends to negotate and exercise a 5 year renewal term of the existing lease.  The existing lease expires 9/30/25.

The current rental rate for Lease 21WSR0230C is (REDACTED).

Anticipated rental rate for a 5 year renewal is (REDACTED).

The total contract value of this lease action is (REDACTED).

3. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

41 U.S.C. 3304(a) (1). Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

4.  Demonstration that the Acquisition Requires use of the Authority Cited:

Based on GSAR 570.402-6, the cost-benefit analysis indicates an award to an offeror other than the present lessor will result in relocation costs or duplication of costs to the Government that the Government cannot expect to recover through competition.  

5.  Description of Efforts to Solicit as many Sources as is Practicable:

Posting of NOAA's notice of intent on SAM.GOV 5/8/25.

6.  Demonstration that Anticipated Cost will be Fair and Reasonable:

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.303-2(b)(7), it is hereby determined that the anticipated cost to the Government is fair and reasonable, in accordance with a market analysis.

7.  Description of Market Survey Conducted:

A search of potential antennas was peformed on the FCC Antenna Structure Registration website.  2 towers were identified with an AGL > 50'.  

8.  Other Factors Supporting Justification:  

The incumbent site is the only site that 1) meets the NOAA requirements 2) provides a fair and reasonable price while meeting those requirements, and 3) does not require the expenditure of relocation costs that cannot be recovered over a 5 year renewal term.

9.  List of Sources That Expressed Interest in the Acquisition:  

No other source expressed an interest in the acquisition.

10.  Future Actions to Overcome Barriers to Full and Open Competition:  

See market analysis for discussion of alternative communication tower vendors with facilities with adequate height in Howe, ID.  Future actions may include contacting these sites again and exploring whether new sites might be available.  

11. Technical Requirements Personnel Certification

I certify that the supporting data used to form the basis of this justification is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.