The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis contract under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) with Essex Cryogenics of Missouri for 12 stainless steel air sampling cylinders for the long-term storage of compressed air. Essex Cryogenics is the only company that manufactures a stainless steel sampling cylinder approved and certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT). These cylinders were developed by Essex through the cooperative efforts between Essex engineers and scientists from NOAA and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13.1, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (under $100K). This notice is for information purposes 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. Terms and Conditions can be found on http://www.arnet.gov/far and agency level protest procedures can be found on web site http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/CONOPS/reflib/alp1296.htm. Anticipated award date August 13, 2003.