The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD), on behalf of the Optical Technology Division, Low Background Infrared (LBIR) Facility, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis under the authority of 41 USC 253 (c)(1), with DRS Sensors and Targeting Systems, Inc. of Cypress, CA, for blocked impurity band (BIB) detectors. The LBIR facility is in the process of developing a standard radiometer that is capable of calibrating infrared radiative powers from 10 nW to 1 picowatt to an uncertainty of less than 0.1% of the measured signal. In addition, the radiometer needs to have a long wavelength cut-off limit of 32 micrometers that matches that of transfer radiometers that are currently in use within the LBIR, or will be in use in the near future. To achieve this goal, the LBIR facility intends to procure discrete BIB detectors that will be arranged in a trapping configuration such that surface reflections from one discrete detector would land on the active area of another discrete detector until more than 99.99% of the incident radiation has been absorbed. In order for such trapping radiometers to perform as scientifically defendable National Detector Standards, the discrete detector elements must have a quantized response with an internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of greater than 99% over the specified wavelength range. This requirement is for BIB detectors that will be used to create the trap detector. The requirement is for the delivery of approximately 50 packaged BIB detectors, and the delivery of approximately 200 other BIB detectors that have not been packaged. The final number of delivered BIB detectors will be variable depending on the optical properties of samples measured during the fabrication process. DRS is uniquely qualified to provide the required detectors. DRS has extensive experience with BIB detectors. DRS manufactured the BIB detectors that are currently in use at the LBIR facility and continues to manufacture detectors which have less stringent specifications than those required to satisfy the specifications of this procurement. DRS has devised a modification scheme to reach new specifications that BIB detectors have never before been able to reach. Based on extensive market research, DRS is the only known manufacturer that can provide these detectors. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516, and the size standard is 500 employees. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations, however, responses received by May 9, 2007, will be considered by the Government. 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.

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