NOTICE OF INTENT Laser Upgrade (75N98026Q00847).pdf

NOTICE OF INTENT: Laser Upgrade (75N98026Q00847)

Sole Source Justification and Notice Authority FAR 6.302-1 – Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements Contracting Activity:

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Proposed Contractor:

Newport Corporation Description of Requirement:

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) intends to procure a manufacturer-performed upgrade for its MaiTai Ti:Sapphire ultrafast laser system.

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition Only One Responsible Source This acquisition is being conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

Newport Corporation is the only known responsible source capable of providing the required upgrade for the MaiTai Ti:Sapphire laser system. The laser, manufactured by Spectra-Physics, a Newport Corporation brand, is a highly specialized ultrafast laser that has played a critical role in the daily research activities of the Laboratory of Behavioral and Quantitative Biology (LBQB). Maintaining the system in optimal operating condition is essential to support ongoing research.

After more than ten years of continuous operation, several critical components of the laser have degraded and require a major manufacturer-performed upgrade. Due to the proprietary design, specialized calibration procedures, and manufacturer-specific replacement components, the upgrade can only be performed by Newport Corporation. No third-party vendor is known to possess the proprietary technical information, certified replacement parts, or factory-authorized procedures necessary to restore the system to manufacturer specifications.

Upgrading the existing laser is the most economical and technically sound approach.

The upgrade will extend the operational life of the instrument while restoring optimal performance at a significantly lower cost than purchasing a replacement system.

Although labor, travel, and replacement component costs have increased, the upgrade remains the most cost-effective solution for maintaining uninterrupted research capability.

System Compatibility The MaiTai Ti:Sapphire laser is manufactured by Spectra-Physics, a brand of Newport Corporation. Because the system utilizes proprietary hardware, firmware, optical alignments, and calibration procedures, only the manufacturer can ensure compatibility and proper performance following the upgrade. Use of a non-manufacturer source could compromise system performance, invalidate manufacturer support, increase instrument downtime, require extensive recalibration and retraining, and pose unacceptable risks to sensitive scientific research.

Proven Performance Newport Corporation has consistently provided reliable manufacturer support and technical expertise for this system. Their familiarity with the equipment and ability to provide factory-certified components and services minimizes operational risk and helps ensure continuity of NIAAA research activities.

Small Business Notification This notice is not a request for competitive quotations. However, any interested small business concerns, including participants in the 8(a) Program, HUBZone small business concerns, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, women-owned small businesses, and small disadvantaged businesses, may submit a written capability statement demonstrating their ability to satisfy the Government's requirement.

Capability statements will be evaluated solely to determine whether another source is capable of meeting the Government's needs. Submission of a capability statement does not obligate the Government to compete the requirement or award a contract. The Government reserves the right to determine whether a competitive procurement is appropriate.

Anticipated Award The Government anticipates making an award approximately five (5) days after the closing date of this notice, unless the Government determines that another source can satisfy the requirement.

Interested parties shall submit capability statements via email to danielt@mail.nih.gov no later than 9:00 a.m. EDT on August 3, 2026.