J -- Repair and Maintenance of NOVA600 Dual-Beam Nano-scale System

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to procure on a sole source basis and under the authority of FAR 6.302-1(a)(2), with FEI Company, 5350 NE Dawson Creek Drive, Hillsboro, OR 97124, repair and maintenance services for a Nova600 dual beam nano-scale system scanning electron microscope using simplified acquisition procedures. This unique instrument is composed of FEI proprietary parts, and the implemented solutions are only known to the manufacturer of the equipment. This FEI instrument makes it possible for NIST to achieve unprecedented resolution, imaging and dimensional measurements of samples at the nano-scale. No other company has the proprietary knowledge or capability to provide these services. A solicitation package will not be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, the government will consider other responses received by March 29, 2007. 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.