Coherent Pump Laser Service Contract

Notice of Intent The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), with Coherent, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA for the Service Contract of a Coherent Verdi 5 Pump Laser for Material Measurement Laboratory's Biomaterials Group at NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Material Measurement Laboratory's Biomaterials Group has a project involving development of metrology for stabilization of proteins in dry form. In spite of significant economic importance (biopharmaceutical drugs accounted for $80B in sales in 2007), the mechanisms underlying the stabilizing effects of the sugar glass are not known, and consequently, robust metrics for predicting stability are still under development. NIST has shown that picosecond dynamics can be used to predict stability of proteins in freeze-dried form. NIST has developed measurement methods for these dynamics involving fluorescent labels, but for greater applicability, needs to develop label-free methods. This Coherent Verdi V5 pump laser is part of an optical Kerr effect instrument that allows NIST investigators to characterize picosecond timescale dynamics in materials used for protein stabilization. A service contract is required for the Coherent Verdi 5 Pump Laser to avoid extended instrument downtime when the instrument malfunction and preventive maintenance can be performed based on manufacturer's schedule. Coherent, Inc. is the sole manufacturer of this instrument. Their manufacturing techniques and technology is proprietary and only their technicians are authorized and capable of repairing the Coherent Verdi 5 to its original performance metrics. No other companies The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition 811219. 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 be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, responses received by August 24, 2015 will be considered by the Government.