Notice of Intent to purchase Seven (7) Replacement Turbomolecular Vacuum Pumps for Cameca IMS1280 Magnetic Sector Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometers (MAG SIMS) with Software upgrades

The Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), intends to negotiate a firm fixed price purchase order, on a sole source basis, with CAMECA INSTRUMENTS, INC. for the purchase of Seven (7) Replacement Turbomolecular Vacuum Pumps for NIST’s Cameca IMS1280 Magnetic Sector Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometers (MAG SIMS) under Other than Full and Open Competition by the authority of FAC subpart 13.106(1)(b).

NIST’s Material Measurement Laboratory’s (MML) Surface and Trace Chemical Analysis Group conducts research on the chemical and structural properties of matter by applying various ion and photon based microscopies whose resolution range from micrometers to nanometers; Researches the fundamental aspects of the excitation process, quantification, standards development, instrumental improvements, and data analysis challenges associated with these analytical methods; Conducts research on autoradiography and nuclear track methods; Conducts research in generation and size-calibration of particles; Develops and applies methods for the concentration, separation, and isotope measurement of trace atmospheric gases and particles; Researches fundamental aspects of trace detection of explosive and narcotic particles using ion mobility spectrometry; Applies analytical microscopy methods to problems in materials science, semiconductor technology, bioscience, environmental science, and homeland security.

NIST has a requirement to purchase and have installed seven (7) replacement turbomolecular vacuum pumps as an upgrade to increase pumping reliability and pumping speed for a Cameca IMS1280 Magnetic Sector Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometers (MAG SIMS) as well as the upgrades to their operating software system and service agreement.

CAMECA is the sole source supplier of IMS1280 Magnetic Sector Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometers (MAG SIMS) instruments using a combination of dual primary ion sources (Oxygen and Cesium), a secondary ion column combining an electrostatic sector and magnetic sector, and powerful Electron Multiplier and Faraday Cup multicollector detection system.  Its parts, service agreements, and operating software are also proprietary to CAMECA Instruments.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516 -- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by 4:00PM (EST) on February 24, 2020. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to Harry.Brubaker@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.