***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 Aerostar International, Inc. for thirty-six (36) plastic balloons composed of thin polyethylene material.

*** The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) requirement which can only be met by Aerostar International, Inc. for high altitude balloons that are capable of reaching 30-32 km altitude carrying two (2) pound ozonesonde instrument packages at the South Pole Station Antarctica and Summit, Greenland winter environments. Based on market research Aerostar International, Inc. is the only known vendor that can meet the above mentioned requirements. The delivery date would be April 29, 2010.

***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.