***The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Bruker Optics in Billerica, MA for the purchase of a V80/v FTIR Spectrometer. *** Sole Source determination is based on the need to maintain 100 percent compatibility with NIST’s existing Bruker Spectrometers. The existing systems will be integrated with the new Bruker system to cover another region of the optical spectrum and microscopic samples. In addition, parts and accessories will be interchangeable between the existing spectrometers and the new spectrometer. This is a follow-on procurement as defined in FAR Part 6.302-1(ii)(A). NIST cites FAR 6.302-1(a)(ii)(A) and (B) (see excerpt below) as primary rationale for Sole Source Determination. (ii) Supplies may be deemed to be available only from the original source in the case of a follow-on contract for the continued development or production of a major system or highly specialized equipment, including major components thereof, when it is likely that award to any other source would result in -- (A) Substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition, or (B) Unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency’s requirements. No other manufacturer has a commercially available system that would be 100 percent compatible with NIST’s existing equipment and software. Bruker Optics is the sole manufacturer and distributor of this equipment. ***Delivery shall be FOB Destination, Gaithersburg, MD, and is required within 20 weeks after receipt of order.*** ***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, the Government will consider responses received by July 30, 2008.*** 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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