The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with TA Instruments, Newcastle, DE under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) Soliciting From a Single Source, a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) with the following unique specifications, as well as all those in the attached statement of work, which are required to meet the needs of our program:

- Compatible with our existing TA Instruments DSC to allow for the continued use of remaining consumables (e.g., sample pans).
- Inclusion of an auto-sampler which will result in increased productivity, allowing the instrument to perform unattended around the clock.
- Refrigerated cooling system not dependent upon the use of liquid nitrogen to eliminate the need (and associated costs and safety hazards) for large volumes of liquid nitrogen while still maintaining low-temperature measurement capabilities.
- Sensitivity(< 0.2 iJW), resolution (response ratio index >60),
- Baseline bow and baseline drift (<10 iJW).
- Cell design allows for both heating and cooling operation
- Operating temperature range maximum of 725 to -180 °C.
- Patented temperature modulation capability with amplitude and period selections.
- Direct heat capacity measurements.
- Operator replaceable standard cell, self-calibrating auto-sampler,
- Dual mass flow controllers with gas switching through software control,
- Full display for control and monitoring of instrument status.
- Ability to communicate with an external controller
- Operating and data analysis software, un-keyed and Windows 7, or XP compatible
- Press and Die Sets Kit - Allows hermetic sealing of the Tzero Pans and the Tzero Hermetic Lids; for crimp sealing of the Standard Series aluminum pans and lids, and gold pans and lids; and for hermetic sealing of the Standard Series aluminum hermetic pans and lids.
- Refrigeration Cooling System - Vapor compression refrigeration system which permits convenient programmed or ballistic cooling over the temperature range from -90c to 550c
- RCS Gas Dryer - Molecular sieve cartridge dryer for removal of trace moisture in purge gases; provides dry gas to -90c dew point

Based on market research, NIST has not identified any other sources that can provide the required product. If NIST identifies no other capable sources by April 10, 2012, NIST will issue a firm-fixed price purchase order on or about April 11, 2012 to TA Instruments. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement, in writing, no later than the response date. Written responses to this synopsis shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516, and the size standard is 500 employees.

A determination by the Government whether to compete the 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). No solicitation package will be issued. Inquiries will only be accepted via e-mail to [email protected]. No telephone requests will be honored.