The existing Ultra Small Angle Neutron Scattering (USANS) Instrument included an Anton Paar UDS200 rheometer which is now in an irreparable state due to age and the inability to find replacement parts. The lab also has an Anton Paar MCR501 rheometer; however, it is too tall and wide to fit within the confines of the current USANS instrument.

The purchase of an Anton Paar MCR301 will be a direct drop-in replacement for the failing UDS200 and will ensure 100% compatibility with the existing equipment. Anton Paar provides unique and proprietary accessories manufactured exclusively for the MCRXX1 series of rhometers allowing concurrent collection of small angle neutron scattering data and rheological data. All accessories currently owned by NIST for the MCR501 rheometer series, such as rotating bobs, and temperature controllers will also work with the MCR301.

The accessories are proprietary in nature and/or have patented features so they can only be purchased from Anton Paar. The MCR301 shall also serve as a backup rheometer should the existing MCR501 ever need repair.

Delivery shall be within three (3) months from date of award and shall be FOB Destination.

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, the Government will consider responses received by May 1, 2012.

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.