R -- COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH OF ATMOSPHERIC DATA

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 contract under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) with the University of Iowa for collaborative research with three University of Iowa research groups to conduct analysis of atmospheric data acquired from a tower site located in the vicinity of Iowa City, Iowa in order to carry out a first order estimation of regional fluxes of carbon dioxide as well as to support a mid-continent intensive study planned for the summer of 2006. The research groups of Charles Stanier, Gregory Carmichael, and William Eichinger, all at the University of Iowa, are uniquely suited to meet these needs. The groups already have experience in similar field projects, specifically, the operation of lidar instrumentation. Period of performance shall be September 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006. This joint effort is for CMDL to meet the North American goals of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program. CMDL requires regular, long-term measurements from the planned eastern Iowa tall tower site, within a network of carefully chosen sites in North America, to study the variation of greenhouse gases with height, which will enable CMDL and other scientists to quantify the predicted North American terrestrial biosphere’s net uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Quantifying the North American carbon budget and identifying implications for the global carbon cycle are priority items outlined in the U.S. Climate Change Science Program Strategic Plan. 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 shall address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Award date will be September 6, 2005.