The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), with Polytec PI, Inc. for the purchase of a custom made Flexure Stage and interface. We are trying to develop sub-nanometer measurements of biological motors. For this, we need a high speed (>1 kHz), high resolution (<0.5 nm) stage for positioning with the following specifications:1) Approximately RMS 0.1 nm position at resonance frequency greater than 1 kHz resonance frequency. 2) Travel of 30 x 30 x 10 microns. 3) A large (>40 mm) central hole. 4) Direct drive PZT mechanism for reduced noise and increased speed. 5) At least a 20 bit digital controller specified because analog or 16-bit controllers with fewer bits wouldn't allow us to control that stage at a 1 angstrom positioning capability. 6) The stage must come with labview drivers that employ the same calling routine make ups as the Labview drivers for the software as we are currently using. E.g. three inputs for the labview sub-VI (axis, requested stage position and error control bundle, and have an output bundle of error control). 7) The stage/controller system must be able to communicate from a National Instruments PCI-DIO-96 board for fast commands and GPIB for standard communication. 8) Cables for high-speed communication. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). FAR Clauses in full text are available at http://www.ARNET.gov/far/. Based on the market research conducted, Polytec PI, Inc. is the only vendor who can meet these requirements. This synopsis is issued for information 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. Agency level protest procedures can be found on web site http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/CONOPS/#REFERENCE. Hard copy in full text available from office address and phone number listed in notice. Anticipated award date July 30, 2003.

Bid Protests Not Available