The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Carl Zeiss SMT, Peabody, MA, for a Zeiss Supra55 VP field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) Service Agreement. Sole Source determination is based on the following: NIST currently uses a Carl Zeiss Supra55 VP FE-SEM. NIST requires a yearly maintenance agreement for the microscope. Carl Zeiss’s maintenance agreement utilizes proprietary procedures and parts. Therefore the service agreement must be supplied by Carl Zeiss. The service agreement will include annual preventative maintenance and emergency repairs, including part replacement if necessary. Carl Zeiss is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the microscope for which the service agreement is required to satisfy the Government’s minimum requirements. 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 August 12, 2008, 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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