Notice of Intent - Sole-Source of Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) Parser / Marine Accident Data Analysis System (MADAS) Replay Pro

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, AN INVITATION FOR BIDS, OR A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. FURTHER, IT DOES NOT REPRESENT A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR COSTS INCURRED IN PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF DATA OR ANY OTHER COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

This is a Sources Sought Notice (PUR260176) with the intent to award a sole source purchase order to Avenca, Ltd (AVENCA), under the authority of FAR 13.106-1 based on their unique technical qualifications as the developer of the Marine Accident Data Analysis System (MADAS) suite of software products. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) knows of no other sources for this requirement. Notice is provided as information to the marketplace, market research, and is an invitation for any other qualified companies to express their interest in and demonstrate their capability to provide the required work.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation—railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. We determine the probable causes of the accidents and events we investigate and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences. In addition, we conduct transportation safety research studies and offer information and other assistance to family members and survivors for each accident or event we investigate. We also serve as the appellate authority for enforcement actions involving aviation and mariner certificates issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and US Coast Guard, and we adjudicate appeals of civil penalty actions taken by the FAA.

The NTSB Office of Research and Engineering, Vehicle Recorder Division (RE-40) currently uses the MADAS software suite to perform Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) analysis. The suite contains several modules that allow parsing, decoding, and replay of data recovered after a marine accident. This requirement to increase the capabilities of the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Parser module of the MADAS suite will expand the types of data able to be parsed and allow the data to be parsed more expeditiously, decreasing the amount of time required to analyze a VDR dataset. The period of performance of the requirement is one (1) year from the date of award.

The decision to award a sole source order is based on the fact that AVENCA is the developer of the MADAS suite of software products and the only known source capable of providing enhancements to existing modules due to its proprietary software development.

Sources capable of fully satisfying the above requirements are invited to submit capability statements/expressions of interest providing the Government the necessary information to determine actual capability. At a minimum, this information, which must be prepared specifically in response to this notice should, must include: (1) identification of company or organization; (2) an assertion of existing, full capability to meet proposed requirements; (3) business/contracts/marketing office point(s) of contact; (4) notification of business size and /or special status; and (5) any additional information that may be useful to the successful procurement of the requirements, if solicited. These expressions of interest shall adhere to a five (5)-page submission limit plus web links and any specialized product descriptions. The statement of qualifications should include only information that clearly demonstrates the respondent's capabilities, expertise, and experience to provide the requirements described in this notice. General marketing material should not be included. The NTSB prefers that companies do not submit proprietary material. However, the Government recognizes that proprietary data may be a part of your submittal. If so, clearly mark such restricted or proprietary data and present it as an addendum to the non-restricted/non-proprietary information. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed purchase order based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by NTSB. Parties must submit information within five (5) days of publication of this notice. NTSB will not return capability statements and the supporting documentation submitted in response to this notice. Telephone responses and inquiries will not be accepted. You may email questions regarding this notice to the issuing office to P. Matt Hazlinsky via email at: matt.hazlinsky @ntsb.gov.