The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acquisition Management Division, on behalf of the Materials Measurement Science Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 6.302-1(a)(2), with Barry Karlin (DBA Tag Engineering), 43 Warwick Row, Riverhead, NY, for the purchase of an Annual Maintenance and Repair Service for the NIST-owned Intermediate X-ray Energy Beamline (X24A) at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS), Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY. NIST intends to purchase a one-year Annual Maintenance and Repair Service and two one-year Option Periods.

Sole Source determination is based on the following: For 28 years, the NIST-owned Intermediate X-ray Energy Beamline (X24A) at NSLS, Upton, NY, has been in nearly continuous operation, in a 24/7 mode. This beamline is a novel low energy x-ray instrument. However, the X24A Beamline requires routine maintenance and repairs for continues operation. Tag Engineering will be maintaining and repairing research-grade instrumentation that is unique. Tag Engineering has knowledge and expertise in this instrumentation, including changes of diffracting crystals and critical alignments associated with the X24A unique two crystal monochromator and first mirror optical and mechanical systems.

As a result, Tag Engineering is uniquely qualified to satisfy the Government's minimum requirement. This Contractor has the technical and proprietary knowledge to perform the maintenance and repair service required by NIST.

Tag Engineering is the only vendor capable of providing the required annual maintenance and repair services of the NIST-owned Intermediate X-ray Energy Beamline (X24A) at NSLS, Upton, NY, in order to satisfy the Government's minimum requirements.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 811219, and the size standard is $19 million.

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 August 4, 2013, 3:30 p.m. EST.

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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