Software Upgrades Colorado State University Scientist

***NOAA's Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL), intends to negotiation, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Colorado State University out of Fort Collins, CO, for upgrades to their cloud model that specifically addresses Atmospheric Science for Renewable Energy (ASRE) needs..

***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requirement that the University has developed a unique piece of software that simulates the interaction of the sun’s radiation with clouds. This software will be integrated into a numerical model that simulates clouds and their effect on solar renewable energy. The result will be more accurate forecasts of solar renewable energy. The scientist has unique experience with this software and no similar software with these capabilities exists. There is no other domestic scientist with experience in this specific type of software that can provide this service. If this scientist is not selected, NOAA/Chemical Sciences Laboratory will be unable to deliver on commitments to a NOAA program addressing Atmospheric Science for Renewable Energy (ASRE). The result will be degraded forecasts of the ability to harvest energy from the sun in partly cloudy conditions. Work to be performed at the University and at the Boulder CSL office starting on April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023 for the base with two option years.

***THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS AND NO SOLICITATION PACKAGE IS AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, FIRMS THAT BELIEVE THEY CAN FULLY MEET 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.