It is the intent of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to enter into a sole source, firm fixed price contract with Beckman Coulter, Inc., 250 S Kraemer Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821, to purchase an annual service agreement for our  P/ACE MDQ capillary electrophoresis system (CE instrument with UV-VIS, PDA, and LIF detectors) manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc.  The capillary electrophoresis system is used to help study paper degradation products, such as organic acids that are in turn further damaging to NARA's holdings.  Such studies are important so that NARA's holdings will be maintained for posterity.  The proposed contract action will be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items.  The NAICS code is 334516.  The period of performance is date of award through 12 months with four option periods of 12 months each.  The anticipated award date is September 27, 2010.  The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.  Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals no later than 1:00 PM EDT September 22, 2010.  This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received after date of publication of this synopsis and prior to 1:00 PM EDT September 22, 2010, will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract 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. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred in responding to this notice.  Direct any response or questions regarding this announcement no later than 1:00 PM EDT September 16, 2010, to Ms. Alice Keefe in writing via e-mail to [email protected].  Point of Contact: Alice Keefe, Contract Specialist at 301-837-1821 phone or e-mail at [email protected] - Ann Harrison, Contracting Officer at 301-837-0772 phone, e-mail [email protected].  Place of Performance: National Archives and Records Administration, 8601Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740.

See Attachment 1 - Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition.