The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisitions Division-Kansas City office intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106(b)(1), with The American Meteorological Society (AMS) located in Boston, MA, a purchase order for NOAA's attendance at the 2021 Summer Policy Colloquium in Washington, D.C.

The Government intends to utilize the authority under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will statisfy agency requirements, unless, as a result of this announcement, acceptable responses to this notice are received and a determination is made by the Government to issue a competitive solicitation. The Government intends to award a purchase order to the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in Boston, MA.

Sole Source Justification:

This event is unique to the American Meteorological Society (AMS), the leader in meteorological and hydrological science and technology for weather, water, and climate forecasting and education in the United States.  The AMS is recognized throughout the international community as the leading organization in the field of public education for meteorology and oceanography.  The colloquium is exceptional training for employees seeking to broaden their perspective in atmospheric and environmental policy.  There is no other entity capable of providing such policy training.

The AMS is the only organization that provides this type of training.  The colloquium is the only forum in the country to provide meteorologists, hydrologists, climatologists, and other physical scientists with education encapsulating science, U.S. policy, and international collaboration.  The AMS has the unique capability to provide training and provide high profile individuals with senior level government and private sector positions, including senior congressional staff and Executive Branch officials to present case studies on environmental policy.

This special notice is not a request for competitive offerors and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide this service may submit substantiating documentation in writing within fifteen business days of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]. 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 response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. If no documentation is received, award will be made directly to The Meteorological Society.

DOC, Eastern Region Acquisition Division requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: www.sam.gov. To register, all contractors must have a Dun and Bradstreet number. A Dun and Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun and Bradstreet on-line at http://www.dnb.com/eupdate or by telephone at (844) 229- 9757.