The Department of Homeland Security/ Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS/ FEMA) proposes to enter into a sole source firm-fixed price purchase order entitled, "Gemini 100100 X-ray Inspection System" with American Science & Engineering, Inc (AS&E) of Billerica, MA. 

The DHS/FEMA dedicated warehouse screening facility is responsible for screening all mail, packages and supplies that enter its space. The DHS/FEMA warehouse screens packages for bombs, contraband, weapons and other paraphernalia that may be harmful to DHS/FEMA staff, students and visitors. To ensure the safety and security these items must be processed through an X-Ray machine. The AS&E Gemini 100100 X-ray Inspection System will be used to screen large mail and delivery items.

The AS&E Gemini 100100 X-ray Inspection System, with the Z Backscatter technology, is the agency standard used throughout the Department of Homeland Security and specifically at FEMA.  It is extremely important that the DHS/FEMA is consistent with the x-ray inspection systems as use of x-ray machines from other manufacturers would require user training and downtime that would not be feasible.  The Z Backscatter technology that exists in the Gemini 100100 X-ray Inspection System is proprietary to AS&E. Therefore, this system and technology is only manufactured by AS&E and can only be purchased through AS&E.

Based on DHS/FEMA's recent market research, FEMA has only identified one source that can provide the required Gemini 100100 X-ray Inspection System: AS&E. Therefore, the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of by FAR 13.106-1(b).

This acquisition is being conducted under simplified acquisition procedures. There are no set-aside restrictions for this requirement. The intended procurement will be classified under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 334517. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, parties interested in responding to this notice must submit quotations within 15 days after date of publication of this Special Notice.  All quotations submitted will be considered by the Government.  A determination by the Government not to compete based on 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.  Telephonic responses and responses providing insufficient information for evaluation will not be considered.