The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) intends to award on a sole source basis, a purchase order to CLRC, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory of Chilton, Didcot, United Kingdom for the following item: One (1) each Mixer Block at 200MHz; one (1) each Mixer Block at 300MHz and one (1) each Mixer Block at 650MHz. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) requires the use of these Mixer Blocks inside the cryostat located within the antennas’ array. These mixer blocks are super conducting high frequency mixer blocks incorporating electroformed scalar feed design made to high degree mechanical tolerance, typically +/- 2.5 microns, cooled to cryogenic temperatures (4.2k). We currently use these mixer blocks for the SMA receivers and the additional blocks are needed as spares to upgrade the performance of the receivers. These mixer blocks are being rotated from the SAO, SMA site at the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii to the SAO, SMA site in Cambridge, Massachusetts to enable the upgrades and repairs more efficiently. CLRC, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is the manufacturer of the mixer blocks, in operation at the SMA site in Hawaii. Additionally, the SMA lab tooling is set-up around the tolerances of these Rutherford mixer blocks. A determination by SAO not to complete this proposed purchase order based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of SAO. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Delivery is ninety (90) days ARO. This acquisition is being conducted under the guidelines as set forth in the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). No written solicitation will be issued for this requirement. Anticipated award date is November 1, 2005

Bid Protests Not Available