66 -- Scanning Confocal Microscope

It is the intent of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisitions & Grants Office, to negotiate on a sole source basis with Attocube Systems, AG, for award of a contract to provide one each, of a scanning confocal microscope (CFM). The contract will provide a CFM that shall perform metrology or single semiconductor quantum dots, nanopatterened devices, and semiconductor waveguides. Due to the nature of these measurements (small feature sizes, low temperature environment and small signal levels) the performance requirements for this system are extremely rigorous. After conducting market research, the Government has found only one supplier (Attocube) that offers a low temperature measurement CFM that is designed to be inserted into a helium bath and is designed to reach 4.2 K and meet the stability specifications. The Government?s salient characteristics are detailed below. 1. The CFM shall be able to operate in a Helium bath with the sample temperature variable between 4.2 and 70 Kelvin. In addition, the CFM shall be operable in magnetic fields up to 7 Tesla. 2. The CFM shall be able to image a single quantum dot for a period of at least two days. This requires stability greater than 50 nm over this two day period. 3. The CFM shall be operable in both the transmission and reflection mode. 4. Resolution shall be diffraction limited 5. Excitation/Emission Wavelength: 950-1100 nm. 6. The CFM shall be capable of taking 2D and 3D single scans as a function of time. The system shall also include a suitable computer and user friendly software for interfacing with the microscope. Included in this software shall be image-processing and 3D visualization tools. Data collected from the microscope scans shall be stored in a suitable format for export to third party software. 7. Sample positioners shall have a minimum step size of 3 x 3 square millimeters. The proposed contact action is for supplies for which the Government intends to negotiate and award with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, firms that believe they can provide this equipment and meet the Government?s essential requirements may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. All capabilities/qualifications must include detailed technical information and other technical literature demonstrating the ability to meet the stated requirements. Interested parties must address each of the mandatory requirements listed in sufficient detail to permit agency analysis to establish a bona fide capability to meet requirements. Failure to submit documentation will result in the agency proceeding as stated above. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.