*** 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).)

*** Previously NIST contracted with Resonon to build two spectral engines as part of a Hyperspectral Image System. NIST currently has a need for spatial engines that will be compatible with the existing spectral engines manufactured by Resonon. The sole source determination is based on Resonon, Inc. being the only manufacturer capable of successful designing and manufacturing the spatial engine that will be 100% compatible with existing spectral engines which were designed and manufactured by Resonon. No other vendor can meet the NIST requirement for the design and manufacturing of a spatial engine that will be compatible with existing spectral engines without a significant duplication in cost. Resonon is the sole manufacturer and distributor of this system.

***Delivery shall be FOB Destination, Gaithersburg, MD, and is required within 180 days after receipt of order.***

***The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334413, 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 August 3, 2010.***

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.