Biological research in virgin islands

***NOAA's 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 the Executive Office of the Government of the Virgin Islands, University of the Virgin Islands in Charlotte Amalie, VI for services required for maintenance of the MicroLab Nutrient Analyzer.

***The sole source determination is based on the NOAA's requirement for the services of the contractor to provide materials and equipment necessary for all tasks required, including but not limited to ready access to boats and divers, chemical laboratories, analytical equipment, balances, proper storage, handling and disposal facilities in the US Virgin Islands in coordination with scientists from the National Marine Fisheries Service, Galveston Laboratory. The University of the Virgin Islands (Center for Marine and Environmental Studies) is uniquely qualified to provide the services required.

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide services that fully meet the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 10 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 conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.