The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with FEI Co., Hillsboro, OR, under Other Than Full and Open Competition by the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and no Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements, to activate a maintenance service contract for one (1) FEI NOVA600 (S/N D61) DualBeam Scanning Electron Microscope/Focused Ion Beam System; specifically, full support will be implemented for a one (1) year period with two (2) 1-year option periods and will include labor, parts, travel, routine and emergency repairs M-F 8AM-5PM. As the original manufacturer, the Contractor is the only source offering: a) all required replacement parts and software upgrades for the instrument; and, b) a staff of fully trained field support representatives and engineers with the proprietary knowledge of the instrument that can offer immediate assistance, ensuring minimal instrument downtime. A fixed price purchase order will be issued on or about Nov. 13, 2007. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals; however, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. Inquiries will only be accepted via e-mail to
[email protected]. The government will consider responses received by 5:00PM, EST, 10/30/2007. Written responses to this synopsis shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement 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 in the future. This notice of intent is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a request for competition. No telephone requests will be honored. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 811219, and the size standard is $6.5M.