This is a notice of intent, not a request for a proposal. A solicitation document will not be issued and proposals will not be requested. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Station Support/Simplified Acquisition (SS/SA) Branch, on behalf of the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) intends to solicit, negotiate and award a purchase order a noncompetitive basis with the University of Washington for synthesis of nanoparticles of controlled size, narrow size distribution and tailored morphologies for relaxivity measurements. In addition to the synthesis, the particles will be well-characterized to determine their hydrodynamic volume, microstructure, and magnetic properties. The period of performance for this requirement is one (1) year with one (1) option year. The University of Washington is the only known source to be conducting this synthesis of nanoparticles. This synthesis is being conducted specifically for the NINDS. Based on this only one responsible source and no other supplies and services will satisfy agency requirements FAR 6.302-1. The Government intends to select and evaluate and award the offer that represents the best value to the Government, price and all other factors considered. The acquisition is being conducted under simplified acquisition FAR 13 and is exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6, Competition Requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities in response to this synopsis. The determination by the Government not to compete the proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely with the discretion of the Government. Comments to this announcement, referencing synopsis number NOI1009602 may be submitted to the NIDA, SS/SA Branch, 31 Center Drive, Room 1B59, Bethesda, MD 20892, Attention: Idella Simpson