deploy a suction cup attached package (D-TAG) on Cook Inlet belugas

***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 Woods Hole Oceanographic (WHOI) of Woods Hole, MA for WHOI to prepare, deploy a suction cup attached package (D-TAG) on Cook Inlet belugas (CIB) and assist in data analysis. ***The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) requirement for use of this proprietary owned equipment of WHOI which is required for recording in synchrony with sound and the calls or echolocation with the movement of a tagged whale with 3-axis accelerometers and 3-axis magnetometers. The period of performance is Date Of Award through January 31, 2012. ***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet 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.