The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate a firm fixed price purchase order, on a sole source basis, with Eckert & Ziegler Isotope Products, Inc., for the purchase of seven (7) radioactive sources for the Physical Measurements Laboratory (PML), Radiation Physics Division, Radioactivity Group. The statutory authority for this sole source acquisition is FAR 13.106-1(b) by the authority of FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

Seven (7) new sources are needed to replace existing aging (decaying) sources and expand the scope of testing with an isotope previously not used in testing. The sources are utilized in Normalization Testing (NT) conducted for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office (CWMD) within the Department of Homeland Security. The measurements conducted in testing are critical to the data collection process for NT conducted by CWMD.  The solid form and activity of the sources and their configuration are essential to maintaining the testing rigor established with existing sources. The sources are also utilized at NIST to conduct performance testing of radiation detectors.

Suppliers such as PerkinElmer, Moravek, Inc, and American Radiolabeled Chemicals, Inc produce radioisotopes that are either for biomedical research, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy applications. Products by these companies do not have the configuration required nor the range of radioisotopes required.

Due to the fact the sources will be direct replacements to the existing sources, that were manufactured by Eckert & Ziegler Isotope Products, and need to ensure consistency between measurements, the replacement sources must match the same design as the current isotopes.

Based on extensive market research performed and communications with other manufacturers in the industry, it has been determined that only Eckert & Ziegler Isotope Products can manufacture direct replacements, for the type of radioactive isotopes in which PML requires.  Therefore, they are uniquely qualified to fulfill this requirement.

Delivery shall be FOB Destination and completed within the manufacturers established commercial lead time.  

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 325180 and the size standard is 1,000 employees. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all responsible sources interested may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by 12:00 p.m. Eastern on February 23, 2021. 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.