Sampling of juvenile sardines in San Diego

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 Everingham Bros Bait Co in LaMesa, CA for a study that requires the historical sampling experience of commercial bait fishers to capture small subyearling sardines in the San Diego, CA area. The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) market research showing Everingham Bros to be the only commercial bait fishing operation in the San Diego area with the institutional knowledge and historical sampling experience with the sardine industry necessary to meet study objectives. The period of performance from date of award through September 30, 2012. 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.