ARTIFACTS

The Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of 41 USC 3304(a)(1) with International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sevres, France 92310 for two Artifacts one being Platinum-Iridium bar stock, precision fabrication techniques, and the other state-of-the-art mass metrology, needed by the Physical Measurement Laboratory at NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Sole source determination is based on all National Prototype Kilograms are traceable to the International Prototype Kilogram through the International Bureau of Weights and Measures' working standards. Therefore, any kilograms manufactured and adjusted as a national standard must hereby originate from the BIPM with certificate of calibration indicating direct traceability to IPK. BIPM is the only authorized Bureau capable of meeting this requirement. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 423520, and the size standard is 100 employees. A determination by the Government whether to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will 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 quotations. However, responses received by April 9, 2012 will be considered by the Government. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to [email protected]. No telephone requests will be honored.