***NOAAs Acquisition & Grants Office, Mountain Region Acquisition Division, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with D K Associates for the purchase of a non-commercial 4340 AISI-SAE Steel Bars. ***Sole Source determination is based on the National Institute of Standards and Technologys (NIST) requirements which can only be met by D K Associates. Based on scientific testing and research from a previously established baseline, steel must be from the same heat as previously purchased from D K Associates. ***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 Governments 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.

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