Notice of Intent to Sole Source

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

NOAA's Marine Operations Center, Acquisition, Accountability, and Analysis Branch, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Linkquest Inc, of San Diego, California, for the purchase of a Ultra-Short Base Line (USBL) system for the NOAA Ship Henry Bigelow. The NOAA Ship Henry Bigelow conducts research for US fisheries. A USBL system is required for accurate indication of the trawl, increasing sample accuracy. The USBL system needs to operate with current systems and within the physical space allotted on the ship.

The sole source determination is based on the requirement for a USBL that is compatible with the current ship configuration, as well the physical space provided for sensor installation as access. The USBL system available through Linkquest provides for these needs while offering trawl location tracking at an accuracy that is required for improved fisheries surveys.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. 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 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.