The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 6.302-1, with Anton-Paar USA, of Ashland, Virginia, for the acquisition of components to expand the measurement capabilities of NIST’s existing Anton-Paar rheometer currently being used on the NCNR’s neutron scattering beamline. *** 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 in fulfilling the agency’s requirements. (See 10 U.S.C. 2304(d)(1)(B) or 41 U.S.C. 253 (d)(1)(B).) NIST currently utilizes a specially outfitted Anton-Paar rheometer on a neutron scattering beamline in its NCNR facility. The purchase of this rheometer was competed under full and open competition in 2009 (contract SB1341-09-SU-0565). A research need exists that requires that the rheometer’s measurement capabilities be expanded through the addition of several additional Anton-Paar components to the existing rheometer. The required components include: a Peltier system, assorted cones and plates, shaft cover, solvent trap, and a small volume Couette measuring system. Only Anton-Paar can supply the necessary components as the components being procured are specific to the particular model and type of rheometer owned by NIST and are unavailable from any other source. Anton-Paar USA is the only contractor who can provide the rheometer components that meets NIST’s requirements. Therefore, Anton-Paar is uniquely qualified to provide the required rheometer components. Delivery shall be FOB Destination, Gaithersburg, MD, and be completed in accordance with the Contractor’s commercial schedule. 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, interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by 12:00 p.m. (Eastern) on August 11, 2010. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to [email protected]. No telephone requests will be honored. 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 in the future.

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