A -- ICI SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Environmental Technology Laboratory (ETL) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis contract under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) with Montana State University for Dr. Joseph Shaw and his research group to deploy the infrared cloud imaging instrument in Barrow, Alaska for the 2004 DOE Water Vapor IOP. This is the final phase of a three year on-going project. Dr. Shaw and colleagues developed the Infrared Cloud Imager (ICI) during 1999-2000 that is used for obtaining radiometrically calibrated thermal infrared images of the sky for cloud classification and cloud statistics computation. Dr. Shaw deployed the ICI in Barrow, Alaska for ETL in the winter of 2001-2003. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). This synopsis is issued for information only. No competitive solicitation is planned.. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and must address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Terms and Conditions can be found on http://www.arnet.gov/far/ and agency level protest procedures can be found on web site http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/conops/reflib/alp1296.htm. A copy in full text is available from office address and phone number listed in notice. Anticipated award date February 17, 2004.