J -- PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SERVICE CONTRACT

The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), with JEOL USA, Inc. for a preventative maintenance service contract for the JEM-2000FX Electron Microscope.This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items (NTE $100K). FAR Clauses in full text are available at http://www.ARNET.gov/far/. JEOL is the only vendor who is factory authorized to provide this service. This synopsis is issued for information only. No competitive solicitation is planned. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and must address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Any contractors doing business with the Government must now be registered with the Central Contractor Registry. The web site is http://www.ccr.gov/. Agency level protest procedures can be found on web site http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/conops/reflib/alp1296.htm. Hard copy in full text available from office address and phone number listed in notice. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing to the attention of Ms. Rima (e-mail preferred). Anticipated award date is August 6, 2004.