The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), , Simplified Acquisition Team intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Vaisala using the procedures in FAR Parts 6 and 13. The Office of Research & Applications, NESDIS has a requirement for 149 RS92 Radiosondes.

The NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown sounding system is a Vaisala ground station that is only compatible with Vaisala radiosondes. Vaisala radiosondes are the standard in the research community. They are "research quality" sondes: They yield data of a quality suitable for research, in terms of accuracy, sampling rate, reliability, etc. For example, they are used at the DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) sites for satellite CaiNal. The purpose of these sondes for validation of advanced sounders (viz., the NPPfNPOESS CrIMSS) that seek high accuracy (e.g., Miloshevich et al. 2006; Tobin et al, 2006; Whiteman et al, 2006).

Vaisala Inc. is the sole provider of the RS92 Radiosondes referenced in quote # 7028-1. Vaisala is the manufacturer and distributor of this product. Vaisala does not sell this product through any distribution channel other than its own direct sales force.

The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is 41 USC 253(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 334290, 750 employees small business size. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. However, if any other interested party believes that it can meet the requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities, which if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. The capability statement and any other information furnished must be in writing, and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the foregoing requirements. Responses must also be accompanied by descriptive literature, warranties, and/or other information that demonstrates that the quote meets all of the foregoing requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to [email protected] or faxed to (301) 713-0808 by August 27, 2010. Award will be made using FAR 13, Simplified acquisition procedures, current through FAC 2005-43. The determination to compete or not to compete the proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

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