Inactive

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering Research and Development Center – Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL) in Champaign, IL has a requirement for one (1) ... The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering Research and Development Center – Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL) in Champaign, IL has a requirement for one (1) Battery Management System (BMS) for the Argo XTR J8 Robotic platform. The system includes four batteries plus accessories including chargers, connector cables, harnesses, and mounting hardware. ERDC-CERL intends to award a purchase order on a sole source basis to Argo USA, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). Market research indicates that Argo USA, Inc is the only source for this requirement. The Robotics for Engineer Operations (REO) research program currently utilizes fully electric Argo XTR teleoperated platforms to develop autonomous site Characterization capabilities. The Argo J8 platform in particular is used extensively in development and for demonstration purposes. Two of these platforms were purchased by ERDC in February of 2019. The onboard BMS that was in one of these platforms has become faulty to the point where the platform is now inoperable. Argo XTR, the manufacturer of the J8, has since recognized the pitfalls of that particular BMS and is no longer using it in new production platforms. They currently offer a new and improved battery BMS which will be more easily supported in the future while providing greater reliability saving the REO program valuable time. The BMS currently needs replaced and updated to this newer system that will be better supported. Argo XTR is the only company that can provide a new BMS that will allow the platform to continue functioning in the same manner that it was previously, that is compatible without significant modifications to the existing J8 platform, and that is available in no more than 90 days from award. This is not a small business set aside. This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties may identify their interests and capability to respond to this requirement. Any interested party that believes they can fulfill this requirement should submit a capability statement to be reviewed. All submissions will be considered, however there is no guarantee that submissions in response to this notice will be in any way alter the Government’s acquisition strategy. Please provide responses to this notice no later than the Response time listed above in this notice, to: CERL-CT_QUOTES@usace.army.mil Telephone responses will not be accepted. Responses to this notice will not be considered as a response to any solicitation, a request to be added to a prospective offers list, or to receive a copy of any solicitation. A determination by the Government not to compete the contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.