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 Beckman Coulter Inc. of Miami, FL, for one (1) Coulter Multisizer 3 Particle Counter for counting micron size particles, plus accessories. ***Sole source determination is based on the following: Beckman Coulter's instrument is able to not only count particles, but also gives an estimate of the particle volume. Volume is important to estimate the amount of particle aggregation. In addition, the Beckman Coulter Multisizer 3 uses conductivity changes to measure the passage of a particle through a small orifice. This technique, unlike light scattering, is unaffected by particle color, shape, composition or refractive index. The Coulter counter gives the particle number and size distribution, and works with very dilute samples. The instrument's range is 0.4 microns to 1200 microns, which also represents a unique capability. Thus, Beckman Coulter is uniquely qualified to provide an instrument meeting the Government's requirements. The Associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334513, with a small business size standard of 500 employees. ***No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, the Government will consider responses received by April 12, 2002.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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