J -- Maintenance Service and Repair 4700 Proteomics Analyzer

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to procure a maintenance and repair service contract renewal for the 4700 Proteomics Analyzer on a sole source basis using simplified acquisition procedures under the authority of FAR 6.302-1(a)(2), with Applied Biosystems, Foster City, California. The 4700 Proteomics Analyzer was manufactured by Applied Biosystems, and they possess proprietary knowledge, information and patented inventions for this instrument. Also the instrument operates with Applied Biosystems software and therefore, no other organization or company has the proprietary knowledge or capability to provide these maintenance and repair 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 April 26, 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.