The UV Microspheres will be used at NIST to validate the operation of biological threat detectors that are currently being developed by the US Armed Forces. Life Technologies is the only known vendor capable in the development of polymer microspheres using polymerization techniques. The key specifications are as follows:
1. Diameter of the spheres shall be 3 micrometers
2. The stained microspheres shall fluoresce when excited by 266 nm light
3. The fluorescence emission shall cover a wavelength range from 320 nm to as high 500 nm
4. The fluorescence shall be detected by detectors sensitive to 330 nm and 410 nm light
5. The 90 degree scattering intensity shall be the same as the fluorescence intensity

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541711, and the size standard is $5M.

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 be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, responses received by September 17, 2010 will be considered by the Government.