Sole Source EOP Earth Momenta Services

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Justification for Sole Source procurement, indicating that competition is precluded in accordance with FAR 12.102(a). It details the requirement for services related to Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP), specifically polar motion and UT1-UTC, which are crucial for the Department of War (DoW) components as directed by the Secretary of the Navy.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it explains why the opportunity is being awarded on a sole source basis to Dr. Dennis McCarthy. It highlights that Dr. McCarthy is a world-renowned expert with over 25 years of experience in analyzing and producing EOP results, and his services are currently being performed under an existing contract. The justification emphasizes his unique qualifications, including extensive experience, numerous publications, and involvement with international organizations (IAU, CCFT) and the IERS Conventions. The document states that continuity of these services is critical for the USNO mission, and a break in service would cause major challenges. The period of performance includes a base year (July 10, 2026 - July 9, 2027) and three option years extending to July 9, 2030. The estimated total value, including the base and option years, is redacted in the document.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks a Subject Matter Expert (SME) with expertise in Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) to provide services to the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO). The USNO provides precise time, Earth orientation, and astronomical data crucial for Department of War (DoW) agencies and other organizations. The SME will contribute to improving the prediction and processing of EOP data, which relates Earth's rotation to celestial bodies, essential for navigation and spacecraft applications.

• Evaluate atmospheric, ocean, and hydrological angular momentum data for inclusion in EOP production.

• Develop improved prediction procedures, incorporating physical phenomena.

• Design algorithms for pre-processing Earth-based momentum quantities.

• Evaluate new nutation and precession models.

• Provide advice on implementing new models and conduct test cases.

• Answer technical questions regarding the Earth Orientation (EO) matrix calculator.

• Answer technical questions and review documents from other organizations related to EOP predictions.

• Be on call for consultations and to create reports and documentation.

• Provide a written quarterly summary of completed topics.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order.

• Period of Performance:

  • Base Year: 10 July 2026 to 09 July 2027
  • Option Year 1: 10 July 2027 to 09 July 2028
  • Option Year 2: 10 July 2028 to 09 July 2029
  • Option Year 3: 10 July 2029 to 09 July 2030

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the requirement is for a direct purchase order.

• This is a sole source solicitation to MCCARTHY DENNIS.

• Quotes are due by 11:00 AM local time on 26 May 2026.

• Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to keisha.o.gordon-blair.civ@us.navy.mil.

• Quotes must be held firm for thirty (30) days.

• Evaluation will be based on the vendor's best terms from a price standpoint, in accordance with FAR Part 12.

• The government may evaluate any and all information submitted to support price reasonableness.

• Award will be made to the vendor whose quote is most advantageous to the Government.

• The acquisition is listed as "UNRESTRICTED."

• NAICS Code: 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), with a size standard of $14 million.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5 by reference.

• Funds are not presently available for this contract; the government's obligation is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.