NASA Thermo Fisher Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM)

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AND IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Information Technology Procurement Office (ITPO) intends to issue a sole source contract for the Thermo Fisher Quattro S Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) and associated detectors, to:

FEI Company

5350 NE Dawson Creek Drive

Hillsboro, Oregon 97124

The ESEM has the ability to utilize additional vacuum modes to allow analysis of materials sensitive to a hard vacuum such as plastics, ceramics, and biological materials.  The ESEM enables the analysis of any sample, without alteration, that is critical to the failure analysis role and the support of flight safety.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition for acquisitions using the procedures in FAR subpart 13.5 is 41 U.S.C. 1901 due to the ESEM being the only microscope that can analyze the sensitive materials needed without damage or alteration.  Further, Thermo Fisher Scientific Corporation is the parent company of FEI Company.  There are no resellers for this type of specialty equipment.

The Government does intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.   

This synopsis does not constitute a solicitation; however, if any interested party believes they can meet the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities must be submitted in writing and must contain clear and convincing evidence that competition of this requirement would be advantageous to the Government. If parties choose to respond, any cost associated with preparation and submission of data, or any other cost incurred in response to this announcement are the sole responsibility of the respondent and will not be reimbursed by the Government.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Jessica Kelley, Contract Specialist, at jessica.b.kelley@nasa.gov no later than 4:00 p.m. (CST) on May 20, 2024.  Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis.  A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at : https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf