The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acquisition Management Division, on behalf of the Precision Engineering Division, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Veeco Metrology, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA, for the purchase of a NanoScope V Upgrade which will be installed on an existing NanoScope IIIa of Veeco Multimode AFM Controller. Sole Source determination is based on the following: NIST currently utilizes a NanoScope IIIa of Veeco Multimode AFM Controller in the Surface and Microform Metrology of the Precision Engineering Division to image the small structures and smooth surface. This purchase is for upgrading this existing NanoScope IIIa to NanoScope V controller made by Veeco. The upgrade will extend the capability and performance of the controller which will enable NIST to probe softer surface and to better understand tip-surface interactions. The Multimode AFM Controller is a system that requires 100 percent compatibility of all its subsystems to guarantee operation that meets its performance specifications. Specifically, the unique details of the system are proprietary to Veeco Metrology. Veeco Metrology, Inc., is the only vendor capable of providing the required upgrade in order to satisfy the Government’s minimum requirements. Veeco is the sole manufacturer and distributor. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516, 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 March 10, 2009, 3:30 p.m. EST. 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.

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