B -- PILOT BALLOON MEASUREMENTS

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), with the Center for Study of Deserts Oceans (CEDO) to make pilot balloon measurements in support of the North American Monsoon Experiment (NAME). Observations will be made by multiple observers at multiple sites concurrently in a one month time frame. Observers with the required training and experience will be used at the following sites in Mexico:Puerto Penasco, Catavina, Baja, Bahia Tortugas, Santa Rosalia, Loreto, La Paz, Hermosillo, Empalme, Tezopaco, Huatabampo, Choix, Torreon, Durango, Ciudad Jimenez, and Matehuala. To carry out the following tasks: 1) Inflating, launching, and tracking meteorological balloons with a meteorological theodolite. 2) Recording raw observation data into computers using special software developed for this study. 3) Assuring quality control and transmitting information via the internet. 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/. Based on our market research, CEDO is the only contractor who can meet the requirements and time frame of this procurement. 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 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 July 20, 2004.