NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: PORTABLE WATER SAMPLER

This is a Notice of Intent to Sole source. Requests for a solicitation will receive no response

This Proposed Contract Action is published to notify potential sources that the USDA Forest Service, The USDA Forest Service (FS), Procurement Operations, is intending to award a sole source, Firm Fixed Price contract to Hach Company, for the procurement of  a AS950 Portable Standard Sampler and accessories.

PSC: 6680

NAICS: 334513

Size Standard: 750 employees

Project Location: This project is located at Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

This procurement is being conducted under the authority of FAR 12.102 (a). For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, Contracting Officers may solicit form one source after making a determination that only one source is available.

The AS950 portable water sampler is essential to a long-term s watershed study to continuously monitor streamflow and collect storm-based water samples. It ensures precise data collection that will allow for the assessment of changes in streamflow and water quality after the trees are removed. Data from the sampler will be used to quantify variations in water quality constituents (nitrate, phosphorus, sediment, etc.). The automated sampling capabilities of the sampler ensure a systematic collection process that will provide accurate data on how the watershed responds to varying environmental factors following the conversion from a mixed-pine hardwood stand to a silvopasture.

The AS950 Portable Standard Sampler is the only automated water sampler that meets all the requirements while allowing for sensor additions and adaptions.

The AS950 in being utilized in other watershed studies; thus, its standardized usage ensures consistency in data collection methodologies. This uniformity improves the reliability and robustness of our findings when comparing data across watersheds.

The anticipated award date is July 15, 2026. Interested parties may identify their interests and capabilities to respond to this requirement to the Contracting Specialist, Michael Walker, by email at michael.walker@usda.gov with a courtesy email to the Contracting Officer keith.d.friot@usda.gov within 10 calendar days of this publication. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government.

Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Contracting Officer not to compete this proposed award upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. No reimbursement for any cost connected with providing capability information will be provided.