D -- UPGRADE OF AXIC REACTIVE ION ETCHER WITH PLASMOPS SOFTWARE

The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Quantum Electrical Metrology Division (QEM) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), with AGS Plasma Systems, Inc. for the upgrade of an Axic Reactive Ion Etcher with PlasmOps Software. The upgrade must remain compatible with other reactive ion etchers on site and be accomplished with a maximum of 10 days downtime. The software upgrade will consist of the following:1. The computer control system will be replaced with as little system modification as possible and replicate all existing modes of operation and recipe handling. 2. The upgrade will take place in QEM's clean room facility in Boulder, CO. 3. The upgraded computer interface must be the same as the QEM's I.P.E. Reactive Ion Etcher. 4. The upgrade control software executes the same way as the control software on the QEM's I.P.E. Reactive Ion Etcher does. 5. The software must run on a standard Windows PC computer. 6. Control software must be in Microsoft's Visual Basic. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions (NTE $100K). FAR Clauses in full text are available at http://www.ARNET.gov/far/. Based on our market research, AGS Plasma Systems is the only contractor who can meet the requirements and time frame of this procurement. This synopsis is issued for information only. No competitive solicitation is planned. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and must address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Any contractors doing business with the Government must now be registered with the Central Contractor Registry. The web site is http://www.ccr.gov/. Agency level protest procedures can be found on web site http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/conops/reflib/alp1296.htm. Hard copy in full text available from office address and phone number listed in notice. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing to the attention of Ms. Rima (e-mail preferred). Anticipated award date is August 6, 2004.