*****Sole source determination is based on the need to purchase stable isotope labeled
folate vitamer standards that will be used to measure the total folate concentration in human serum and whole blood for characterization of various NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRM). The required folates need to be consistent with the ongoing project being conducted at the CDC in Atlanta, GA for the comparability of measurements. Merck Eprova is the only known vendor capable in providing the required folates.

***Delivery shall be FOB DESTINATION and be completed in accordance with the Contractor's commercial schedule. ***

*** As defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, (FAR), FOB Destination means: The contractor shall pack and mark the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements, deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the purchase order, be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the purchase order; and pay all charges to the specified point of delivery. The contractor shall deliver all line items to NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20899-0001. ***

*****The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 325411, and the size standard is 500 Employees.

******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.

*****No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, responses received by August 9, 2010 will be considered by the Government.