One Handed Balloon Launch Reels

***NOAA's Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division - Boulder, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with DAVIS WIRE PRODUCTS LTD. For an economical, one-handed balloon launch pay out reel or unwinder with 120 feet of string to support up to 5.5 pound packages of ozonesonde and water vapor instrumentation. A reliable, but inexpensive, balloon launch reel is critical when considering the value of the payload it is assisting in launching. Each ozonesonde launch costs approximately $700. When a water vapor sensor is added to the suite, the cost is $2,600. If a balloon launch reel fails or slips and allows the payload to fall, the typical result is the sensors smashing into the ground and breaking without possibility of repair. ***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) market research and expert knowledge in determining that DAVIS WIRE PRODUCTS LTD. is a unique source to fulfill this need based on the company's inexpensive unique proven product and past performance. The Request for Information (RFI) NRMJ1000-10-04558WGC yielded no workable, economical solutions to the government's requirement other than the one proposed by DAVIS WIRE PRODUCTS LTD. ***This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $150K). This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 10 days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.