The Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), intends to negotiate a firm fixed price purchase order, on a sole source basis, with Carl Zeiss Microimaging, Inc., of Thornwood, New York for the purchase of a Stereomicroscope and Eppendorf Micromanipulator under other than full and open competition by the authority of FAR subpart 13.106 b(1): Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The NIST Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory requires a Stereomicroscope and Eppendorf Micromanipulator to provide a platform for locating and moving broken test structures from stress and strength measurement for subsequent fractography. The required instrument has several unique capabilities that are essential to the success of the project: 1. Integrated coarse and fine manipulation with proportional control via central joystick. The work range (20 mm) and resolution (40 nm) provide a large range of motion (to locate and move fragments) with exceptional control (to pick up fragments). 2. Oil-based and air-based pipette system provides a wide range of pressures for both micromanipulation (vacuum) and microinjection (dispensing of aqueous solutions). The pipettes range in size from 4 um to 15 um, with both flat ends wand tapered ends, allowing the user to manipulate samples of all shapes and sizes. 3. Ability to retain field of view and parfocal correction during manipulation via unique rotating objective turret that changes the body from the stereo light path (1x achromat stereo lens) to the macro light path (3.5x macro lens). Carl Zeiss Microimaging, Inc. is the only contractor who can provide a Stereomicroscope and Eppendorf Micromanipulator that meets NIST’s requirements. Therefore, Carl Zeiss Microimaging, Inc. is uniquely qualified to provide the required Stereomicroscope and Eppendorf Micromanipulator. Delivery shall be FOB Destination, Gaithersburg, MD, and be completed in accordance with the Contractor’s commercial schedule. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 333314, 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, interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by 3:00 p.m. (EST) on March 21, 2009. 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.

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