The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/ Acquisition Management Division (AMD), intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, on behalf of the NIST/Ceramics Division, with Veeco Metrology of Tuscon, Arizona for an upgrade to an existing Veeco Dimension 3100 Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The Ceramics Division conducts programs pertinent to measurement issues for ceramic materials through fundamental and applied research, the development of standard test methodologies, the preparation of standard reference materials, and the evaluation and dissemination of standard reference data. The Nanomechanical Properties Group, within the Ceramics Division, specializes in material property measurements at very small scales such as those observed in atomic force microscopes. The upgrade being purchased is for an existing Veeco Dimension 3100 AFM. This upgrade is required to extend current nanoscale imaging and analysis capabilities. The upgrade will: 1. Replace key components, i.e. controller and scanner; 2. Provide a Nanoscope V controller; 3. Provide a new PC running AFM software version 7.2 or greater with NanoMan nanomanipulation and nanolithography software; 4. Provide a new closed loop hybrid xyz scanner (patented); 5. Insert a new electronics back plane into the Dimension 3100 Base. The equipment will be used to perform research on the topography, and nanomechanical properties of a wide range of research materials including metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers. In addition, it will enable NIST to expand its? capabilities on new methods for calibrating the flexural spring constant of test cantilevers to include the thermal calibration method. The ability to image at 5,000 x 5,000 pixels represents an approximate 10x improvement over previous capabilities with the instrument. Closed loop capability ensured accuracy and precision in the location of features in the xy plane. High speed multiple lock-in and digital "Q" control offers enhanced surface analysis capabilities. All of these will improve NIST?s ability to participate in round robin exercises for International round robins on AFM standardization (VAMAS & ISO). The contemplated effort is a follow-on acquisition to continue development on a highly specialized piece of equipment as described in FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii). This system being procured is an upgrade to the existing equipment NIST cites FAR 6.302-1(a)(ii)(A) and (B) (see excerpt below) as primary rationale for Sole Source Determination. (ii) Supplies may be deemed to be available only from the original source in the case of a follow-on contract for the continued development or production of a major system or highly specialized equipment, including major components thereof, when it is likely that award to any other source would result in? (A) Substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition, or (B) Unacceptable delays fulfilling the agency?s requirements. (See 10 U.S.C. 2304(d)(1)(B) or 41 U.S.C. 253 (d)(1)(B) The existing equipment and the upgrade are commercial items. The upgrade must be hardware and software compatible with the existing equipment. Veeco has developed the technology and has proprietary rights to that technology; No other vendor has rights to Veeco?s proprietary hardware and software. Veeco has no distributors, therefore, they are the only source who can provide this upgrade. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516, and the size standard is 500 employees. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, responses received by April 15, 2008, will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

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