J -- INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE TO METTLER-TOLEDO, COLUMBUS, OHIO

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Mettler-Toledo, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) Soliciting From a Single Source, for a two (2) year maintenance and service contract for five comparators. Based on market research, NIST has not identified any other sources that can provide the required service. If NIST identifies no other capable sources by May 30, 2007, NIST will issue a firm-fixed price purchase order on or about May 31, 2007 to Mettler-Toledo for a two-year period. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement, in writing, no later than the response date. Written responses to this synopsis shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement. A determination by the Government whether to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely with the discretion of the Government. This notice of intent is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ).