The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with VEECO Metrology, of Santa Barbara, California, for acquisition of one (1) each, Magnet-Free Scanner and one (1) each, Scanner Base Unit of MultiMode Atomic Microscopy. The equipment will be used by the Ceramics Division at NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland. *****Sole source determination is based on the need for the Magnet-Free Scanner and the Base Unit to be able to add new capability to an existing MultiMode Atomic Force Microscope (VEECO, Model MMAFM, Serial 703EX) and it’s controller (VEECO Model NS3A, Serial 1780) in the laboratory. VEECO Metrology is the manufacturer of the existing MultiMode Atomic Force Microscope System. Both the microscope system and base unit are built with proprietary technologies that no other company is known to offer. VEECO Metrology is the only know vendor capable of supplying the required Magnet-Free Scanner and Base Unit of MultiMode Atomic Microscopy. *****Delivery is required within 90 days or less after receipt of order (ARO) and shall be made FOB destination. *** As defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, (FAR), FOB Destination means: The contractor shall pack and mark the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements, deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the purchase order, be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the purchase order; and pay all charges to the specified point of delivery. The contractor shall deliver all line items to NIST, Building 301, Shipping and Receiving, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001. *** *****The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516, and the size standard is 500 Employees. ******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. *****No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, responses received by September 6, 2004 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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