The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acquisition Management Division, on behalf of the Optical Technology Division, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Newport Corporation, Spectra-Physics Laser Division, for the purchase of an Upgrade S-X which will be installed in an existing Matisse Laser System. Sole Source determination is based on the following: NIST currently utilizes a Matisse Laser system. This purchase is for upgrading this existing laser system made by Spectra-Physics. The upgrade consists of modifying the laser system so that it reduces the current frequency bandwidth of the output light to 20 percent or less of its current value. The laser is a system that requires 100 percent compatibility of all its subsystems to guarantee operation that meets its performance specifications. Newport Corporation is the only vendor capable of providing the required upgrade in order to satisfy the Government’s minimum requirements. Newport Corporation is the sole manufacturer and distributor. 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 25, 2008, 3:30 p.m. EST. 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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