The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NESDIS Acquisition Division, Simplified Acquisition Team intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)/UNESCO using the procedures in FAR Parts 6 and 13. The National Ocean Service (NOS) specifically the Staff Office for International Programs has a requirement for enhanced intergovernmental cooperation of ocean observing systems to support the Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) and Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). IOC/UNESCO sponsors the JCOMM and GOOS to provide intergovernmental coordination, regulation and management of a fully integrated marine observing, data management and services system that uses state-of-the-art technologies and capabilities. IOC/UNESCO is responsive to the evolving needs of NOAA and other users of marine data and products, and includes an outreach program to enhance the national capacity of all maritime countries. ICO/UNESCO is the only party known to NOAA who can meet these requirements. The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is 41 USC 253(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 928120 with no small business size standard established. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. However, if any other interested party believes that it can meet the requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities, which if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. The capability statement and any other information furnished must be in writing, and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the foregoing requirements. Responses must also be accompanied by descriptive literature, warranties, and/or other information that demonstrates that the quote meets all of the foregoing requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to
[email protected] or faxed to (301) 713-0806 by August 29, 2008. Award will be made using FAR 13, Simplified acquisition procedures, current through FAC 2005-26. The determination to compete or not compete the proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.