The Naval Research Laboratory intends to award to National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, on other than full and open competitive basis a contract for the Chartering of the NOAA oceanographic research vessel, "MANTA" for a field experiment at the East Flower Garden Bank in northwestern Gulf of Mexico to conduct turbulence and acoustic Doppler current profile measurements during the time period of June 3-12, 2011. (Microsoft IE required).  Additional specifications will appear in the RFQ. Sole source is based on services unique capabilities to National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Vendors who feel that they can provide the above services shall fully identify their interest and submit their capabilities to meet the above requirements within 15 days after the publication of this synopsis. Responses received after 15 days or without the required information will be considered non-responsive to the synopsis and not be considered. The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Note: All offerors will be ineligible for award unless they have registered in the DOD(s) Central Contractor Registration database. Information on CCR registration and annual confirmation requirements can be obtained via Internet at http://www.ccr.gov or by calling 1-888-227-2423.