--Intent to Solicit Sole Source

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command intends to solicit on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 to The Merritt Group, 82 South St, Williamsburg, MA 01096-9726 for research services. This procurement is being cond ucted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). Only one responsible source and no other service will satisfy agency requirements. The sole proprietor and employee of The Merritt Group, John Merritt, is known as an expert and has demonstrated expert ise in solving optical problems associated with developing stereo and night-vision displays. It would be too costly for a new contractor to garner the information required to complete the work required by the sponsors of the research. The government inte nds to acquire this service using FAR Part 13. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities/qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact no later than 1630 hours Eastern Time Zone 26 July 2007. Such capabil ities/qualifications 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 compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, bas ed upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral comunications are not acceptable in response to this notice. No RFP will be issued based upon this Notice of Intent. Interested parties may submit any information for consideration by the government to: contact@example.gov with solicitation number, W91CRB-07-T-0158, referenced in the subject line.