The U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Great Lakes Science Center, has a requirement to make a non- competitive award via written request for quotation No. 04ER08-No Solicitation number for a Contract with Northstar Technical to provide a system to accurately measure trawl geometry during fishing exercises and provide data for analysis of trawl performance is needed to maintain continuity of long term data sets with changes in vessels and trawls. Experience with earlier versions of this type of gear revealed significant shortcomings in products from other manufactures as well as desirable features of the Netmind system. Specifications have been developed from this experience. Northstar Technical is on the cutting edge of creating advanced sonar systems and produces equipment for use in disciplines including defense, oil and gas exploration, and both committed to continually offering users improvements. Northstar Technical is the only company making trawl mensuration gear with a North American Service and Support Center. Gear purchased in the past had to be shipped to Norway for any service at all. This can result in loss of data in the event of equipment failure. Shipment within North America can be accomplished rapidly, and would allow repair of any malfunction in time to complete a survey. The U.S. Geological Survey anticipates awarding this to Northstar Technical. THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. The anticipated award date is 04/08/2004. NAICS is 334513 and SIC is 3823. Information will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Determination to compete this requirement is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses to this notice must be submitted via e-mail to: [email protected] by 04/08/2004. No additional synopsis will be published.

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