The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) 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 Aerostar International for forty (40) plastic balloons composed of thin polyethylene material. Sole Source determination is based on the NOAA's requirements which can only be met by Aerostar for high altitude balloons that are capable of reaching 30-32 km altitude carrying two (2) pound ozonesonde instrument packages in Antarctic (South Pole Station) or Artic (Summit, Greenland) winter environments. Based on market research Aerostar International is the only known vendor that can meet the above mentioned requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, firms that believe they can provide equipment that fully meets the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 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 compete this proposed effort on a competitive basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. Â

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