Flat Panel X-ray Digital Imaging Detectors

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acquisition Management Division, on behalf of the Materials Science and Engineering Division, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with PerkinElmer, Inc., Waltham, MA, for two (2) Flat Panel X-ray Digital Imaging Detectors (Model 0822). Sole Source determination is based on the following: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducts strain tensor measurements for the Innovations in Measurement Science project "Building Metrological Foundations for Nanomechanics." These measurements use the microbeam diffraction instrument that is located at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. NIST is a partner in the development and use of this instrument and leads the efforts in measuring strain tensors. These strain tensor measurements use three X-ray area detectors (one large and two small) for data acquisition. These detectors (manufactured by PerkinElmer) are integral components of the instrument. The two small detectors are failing and require replacement. Replacement detectors must be compatible with the existing instrument, thus avoiding a major redesign of the entire instrument and software control system. In addition, future software driver upgrades must be compatible with both the existing large detector and the small detectors that need to be acquired. PerkinElmer, Inc., is the only vendor capable of providing the required Flat Panel X-ray Digital Imaging Detectors that meet the Government's minimum requirements and is 100% compatible with the existing microdiffraction instrument. PerkinElmer is the sole manufacturer and distributor. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 339112, and the size standard is 500 employees. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, the Government will consider responses received by October 31, 2014, 3:30 p.m. EST. 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.