NOAA's Acquisition & Grants Office, National Severe Storms Laboratory, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 8.405-6(a), restricting consideration under GSA Federal Supply Schedules, with Vaisala, Louisville, Colorado, for the purchase of 360 RS-92 SGPL Radiosondes.

The sole source determination is based on the National Severe Storms Laboratory's (NSSL) requirement for radiosondes that are compatible with three NSSL owned GPS Advanced Upper Air Sounding (GAUS) systems.  Both the GAUS system and the radiosonde are based on a proprietary system developed by Vaisala.  As a result, Vaisala is the only authorized manufacturer and seller of the required radiosondes.  Delivery required by July 1, 2014.

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.