Broad Energy Geranium Detector & External Cooler

Notice of Intent to Sole Source to Mirion Technologies (Canberra), Inc.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to award a Firm-Fixed Price purchase order to Mirion, Technologies (Canberra), Inc., 800 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT  06450. 

In accordance with FAR Part 6.302-1, the Contractor is the only known responsible source who can provide the services for the requirement as described below.

The purpose of this notice is to inform the public that the NIH’s  Division of Radiation Safety (DRS) intends to purchase a Broad Energy Germanium Detector (BEGe) detector and an external cooling feature for a whole-body counter (WBC) sold by Mirion  Technologies (Canberra), Inc.  DRS is required by its Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license to evaluate researchers' uptake of radioactive material when handling certain quantities of potentially volatile radioactive material.  The Mirion Accuscan WBC is one that DRS uses to perform this function. The Mirion Accuscan WBC provides the capability for an external scan of an individual to determine if gamma-emitting isotopes are detectable and to quantify the radioactive activity concentrating in various regions of the body.  The requirement is for the procurement of a new detector for the Mirion Accuscan WBC  is needed to replace the current one and an external cooling feature.  A detector that can detect low-energy emitters with an established resolution for very small quantities is needed to satisfy the NRC’s requirements for DRS equipment capabilities.  Currently liquid nitrogen for the WBC is required to maintain proper cooling temperatures.  Acquiring an external cooler will eliminate the need for liquid nitrogen and also the occupational hazards of handling it.  Both the BEGe detector and the external cooler are proprietary and compatible accessories to the Mirion Accuscan WBC.  A detector and an external cooler from a different manufacturer would void the equipment’s warranty.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes.  However, any party that believes it can fulfill the requirement as stated herein may submit a written capability statement that clearly supports and demonstrates their ability to satisfy the requirement.  A determination by the Government to compete this proposed award based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

It is anticipated that an award will be issued within ten (10) days after the date of this notice unless the Government determines that another organization has the capability to meet this requirement.

Please email responses to zetherine.gore@nih.gov no later than 12:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.  Emails received in response to this notice must reference SS-NIH-6536883 on the subject line.