A-18_Notice_of_Intent.doc

FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: PRESOLICITATION NOTICE

ACTION CODE: <PRESOL>

CLASSIFICATION CODE: J – Maintenance, Repair & Rebuilding of Equipment SUBJECT: NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: Maintenance for Highly Specialized Comparators

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SB1341-16-RQ-0824

RESPONSE DATE: August 24,2016

CONTACT POINTS: Tracy Bisson, Contract Specialist, 301-975-8448

Lynda Roark, Contracting Officer, 301-975-3725

DESCRIPTION:

The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate a firm fixed price purchase order, on a sole source basis, with Mettler-Toledo for maintenance of Government owned specialized mass comparators. This will support the mission of providing high-accuracy tests and calibration services, and access to the top of the traceability chain for the SI units of mass, force, and related quantities (e.g., torque) to meet the needs and demands of U.S. industry, government, and the scientific community in the Mass and Force (MF) Group in the Quantum Measurement Division (QMD) of the Physical Measurements Laboratory. The statutory authority for this sole source acquisition is FAR 13.106-1(b) by the authority of FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

NIST MF Group currently has a need for maintenance for multiple specialized mass comparators that was originally manufactured equipment (OEM) from Mettler-Toledo. The mass comparators have particular features in their standard weighing product, that make them mechanically and electronically different from other similar mass comparators. Due to these differences untrained personnel would not have the training, expertise or experience to adequately maintain these devices. Using untrained professionals runs the particular risk of causing permanent damage to the weigh cell

(Weighing sensor – approx 60% of the cost of the instrument) and weight transfer structures. Additionally, untrained eyes and hands will run a high probability of destroying the weigh cell, if they attempt to service the comparator in the same way as a balance or scale. For these reasons, only the OEM, Mettler-Toledo, has the capability and access to proprietary parts and expertise to service the mass comparators.

Performance shall occur at the NIST Gaithersburg, MD campus within two (2) years after receipt of order.

Research has found that only one (1) company can meet the requirements as it requires maintenance professionals with particular credentials and training, which can ONLY be obtained directly from Mettler-Toledo.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 811219, and the size standard is $20.5 million dollars a year in revenue.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all responsible sources interested may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by 3:00 p.m. Eastern on August 24, 2016. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to tracy.bisson@nist.gov . 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.