The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division, intends to negotiate, on behalf of the Physical and Chemical Properties Division, with Microcal LLC of Northampton, MA, for an Isothermal Titration Calorimeter, and a Differential Scanning Calorimeter with Fixed-in-place, Twin Cells. Projects shared by the Physical and Chemical Properties Division and the Biosciences Division will utilize both of these calorimeters. NIST currently owns and operates a Microcal VPITC Isothermal Titration Calorimeter and a Microcal VPDSC Differential Scanning Calorimeter. This equipment has been used and is currently used for work on projects shared by the Physical and Chemical Properties Division and the Biosciences Division. Sole Source Determination is based on the following: Work on the current project and future work depends upon NIST’s ability to exchange parts between instruments, and perform identical measurement operations side-by- side. Therefore, it is essential that parts, data-analysis software, instrument control-software operating files, personnel training, and the pressure perturbation hardware of the new instrumentation be 100% compatible and interchangeable with the existing calorimetry equipment and with NIST’s existing data files and programs. Preliminary studies for the specific project for which the Physical and Chemical Properties Division is requesting the purchase of equipment, were performed using NIST's existing Microcal equipment. Due to NIST's previous investment of resources in these biochemical/biophysical calorimeters and in the parts and expertise required to operate them, only the identical equipment, manufactured by Microcal, will ensure data compatibility, and furthermore, the continued integrity of data and project outcomes. Microcal has no distributors, therefore, they are the only source who can provide the required isothermal titration calorimeter and the differential scanning calorimeter with fixed-in-place, twin cells. 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 January 20, 2005, 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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