****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 Kongsberg Underwater Technology, Inc., Doing Business as SIMRAD for the purchase of underwater bottom-moored echo-sounder systems.
****The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS), Res Assess and Conservation Engine has a continued need for like underwater echo-sounder systems The processing of the acoustical information can only be done with Kongsberg (SIMRAD) this equipment is used through the oceanographic, fisheries and research and stock assessment and hydrographic fields, Kongsberg (SIMRAD) is the only manufacture of wideband autonomous echo-sounder systems and equipment. Kongsberg, (SIMRAD) maintains proprietary control of all equipment. NOAA/FRAM must purchase new sensors form SIMRAD because all existing equipment is SIMRAD. Delivery date is May 15, 2017
***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide the space and service as described 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.

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