B -- Precipitation Chemistry Measurement Services

The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to negotiate a single source purchase order with Pennsylvania State University (PSU) for specialized precipitation chemistry measurement services. This procurement will be conducted under simplified acquisition procedures in accordance with federal regulations, specifically leveraging the authority outlined in 41 U.S.C. 253c(1) and FAR 6.302-1. The PSU site, located in State College, Pennsylvania, is uniquely suited for this work due to its central location in the region most impacted by anthropogenic emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides, as well as its longstanding role since the early 1980s as a key monitoring and inter-comparison center for precipitation chemistry. The data collected at this site supports NOAA and multiple research programs, including the Atmospheric Integrated Research Monitoring Network (AIRMoN) and NADP/NTN, making it critical to NOAA's mission related to precipitation chemistry monitoring. The planned purchase order spans 30 months and is justified under a sole source acquisition rationale, acknowledging that no other facility can replicate the capabilities and long-term consistency provided by PSU’s site. The contract carries the reference number NRMAC000-6-00001 and falls under NAICS code 541990. The organizational office managing the contract is based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Key points of contact for the acquisition include Contract Specialist Sandra K. Shaffner and Contracting Officer Mario A. Checchia, both reachable at NOAA’s contact lines. The acquisition underscores the importance of maintaining continuity and quality in environmental monitoring vital to national research and policy efforts concerning atmospheric chemistry.