B -- Scientific, Technical and Policy Guidance

This is a special notice. The Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to procure scientific, technical and policy guidance from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), Washington, D.C. These services will be procured on a non-competitive basis through issuance of task orders under existing contract number DG133R04CQ00009. The NAS is a single source with unique capabilities. Created in 1863 by the U.S. Congress and dedicated to the furtherance of science, the NAS draws upon 1,100 scientists and engineers elected to lifetime memberships based on their contributions to science and technology. These independent members serve without compensation and offer unbiased advice and counsel in the areas of their expertise. No other source is known to possess the NAS capability. This action is taken under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1 and in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) through Federal Acquisition Circular(FAC) 2005-12. A Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition is on file. The reference number is NEEK-6-00290pla. Any source possessing the capability to meet this requirement may respond and will be considered.