***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 The Ocean Foundation of Washington, DC to conduct sea turtle genetics research for the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division which is part of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) requirement to conduct the sea turtle genetics research that can only be provided by The Ocean Foundation of Washington, DC that holds all permits to enter into the habitats of the sea turtles in multiple countries. They will provide all data, samples and analysis. The period of performance is September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2016.

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet 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.