FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: PRESOLICITATION NOTICE ACTION CODE: CLASSIFICATION CODE: J SUBJECT: Cryogenic Fourier Transform Spectrometer Repair SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB685040-12-04793 RESPONSE DATE: August 31, 2012 CONTACT POINTS: Chris Ganey, Contract Specialist, 301-975-6205 Todd Hill, Contracting Officer, 301-975-8802 DESCRIPTION: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106(b)(1), with Telops, inc, of Quebec, Canada, for repair of a Cryogenic Fourier Transform Spectrometer . The system is comprised of highly specialized equipment that was manufactured originally by Telops. The Government has determined that it is likely that award to any other source would result in -- (A) Substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition, or (B) Unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's requirements. The NIST Cryogenic Fourier Transform Spectrometer (CFTS) is a unique instrument used as part of a transfer radiometer (the MDXR) that is shipped to various user facilities in the U. S. A. in order to calibrate the output of cryogenic infrared test chambers. The MDXR, and the CFTS mounted inside it, were damaged in September 2011 during the return shipping from a user facility. NIST sent the CFTS to Telops, Inc. in Quebec, CA in March, 2012 for diagnosis and repair under an existing limited warranty under contract SB1341-11-SE-1455. The engineering time required to complete the repair falls well outside the scope of the limited warranty. If NIST were to compete this repair, the expense is not expected to be recouped through competition. This would take at least a month of time, and require shipping the CFTS and its support equipment back to NIST again in order for other vendors to have the chance to examine it. The shipping entails both cost to NIST (~ $10 K for travel and custom shipping) and risk to the CFTS. Given the risks of cost, schedule, and possible additional damage to the instrument, the Government intends to negotiate directly with Telops, Inc. to repair the CFTS. As a result, Telops, Inc. is the only vendor who can repair the Cryogenic Fourier Transform Spectrometer and no other suppliers can satisfy NIST's requirements. Delivery shall be FOB Destination, Gaithersburg, MD, and be completed in accordance with the Contractor's commercial schedule. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 811219, and the size standard is 500. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by 12:00 p.m. (Eastern) on August 31, 2012. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to
[email protected]. No telephone requests will be honored. 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 in the future.