A -- ATMOSPHERIC SAMPLING

The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), with Humboldt State University Foundation for weekly air sampling. The samplings will be conducted at the Trinidad Head Observatory site in California, which is operated in collaboration with HSU Marine Sciences Laboratory. The location and facilities have been chosen in order to sample air coming from the Pacific Ocean that may influence North American air quality. This project has been ongoing for several years, and it is necessary that the information be obtained consistently from the same location for the study to be accurate. The HSU Foundation will provide staff and facilities to complete the following:1. Instruments are to be monitored and maintained for the measurement of ozone, CO2, aerosols, radiation, and meteorological parameters. 2. The samples will be collected weekly and sent to NOAA for analysis. 3. Balloon-borne ozonesondes will be launched and monitored from the HSU Marine Laboratory at least weekly throughout the year, as directed by NOAA scientists in Boulder. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). FAR Clauses in full text are available at http://www.ARNET.gov/far/. 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. Any contractors doing business with the Government must now be registered with the Central Contractor Registry. The web site is http://www.ccr.gov/. Agency level protest procedures can be found on web site http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/conops/reflib/alp1296.htm. Hard copy in full text available from office address and phone number listed in notice. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing to the attention of Ms. Rima (e-mail preferred). Anticipated award date is March 11, 2004.