66 -- RADON DETECTORS

The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), with Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization for two sets of radon detectors. The ambient concentration of radon is extremely low and the following specifications are necessary to measure the ambient concentrations:1) Very high sensitivity to radon and very low background counts. 2) A detector must have a sensitivity of at least 800 counts per minute per Pico curie per liter (cpm/(pCi/l)) 3) A lower limit of detection of 0.001 pCi/l. 4) The system must be able run in an automated mode, with no operator present. These requirements are necessary for achieving the required hourly precision (5% at 0.01 pCi/l), and for the ability to measure the activity of free tropospheric air and marine boundary layer air, which are both commonly below 0.005 pCi/l. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). FAR Clauses in full text are available at http://www.ARNET.gov/far/. This synopsis is issued for information only. No competitive solicitation is planned. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and must address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Any contractors doing business with the Government must now be registered with the Central Contractor Registry. The web site is http://www.ccr.gov/. Agency level protest procedures can be found on web site http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/conops/reflib/alp1296.htm. Hard copy in full text available from office address and phone number listed in notice. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing to the attention of Ms. Rima (e-mail preferred). Anticipated award date is March 18, 2005.