Maintenance Service for Two (2) Bruker Biospin Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometers

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acquisition Management Division, on behalf of the Analytical Chemistry Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 6.302-1(a)(2), with Bruker Biospin, Inc., for the purchase of Annual Maintenance and Repair Service for two Bruker Biospin (Models AVII 700 MHz & AVII 800 MHz) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer located at Hollings Marine Lab, Charleston, SC. NIST intends to purchase one base year maintenance and emergency repair service, and two option year maintenance and emergency repair services. Sole Source determination is based on the following: Bruker Biospion is the only company capable of providing the annual maintenance and repair service of two (2) NIST-owned Bruker Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometers. Most electronic components in these instrument are custom designed and manufactured parts (proprietary). Specifically, the internal workings and unique details of the systems are proprietary to Bruker. Due to the proprietary nature of these systems, Bruker Biospin is the only vendor able to provide the required maintenance and repair of these systems. Bruker Biospin does not license other vendors to utilize their proprietary technology. As a result, Bruker Biospin is uniquely qualified to satisfy the Government's minimum requirement for maintenance and repair service. Bruker Biospin, Inc., is the only vendor capable of providing the required annual maintenance and emergency services on two NIST-owned Bruker Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometers in order to satisfy the Government's minimum requirements. Bruker Biospin is the sole manufacturer and distributor. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 811219, and the size standard is $19 million. 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 23, 2012, 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.