Notice of intent to sole source

The Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, with MATERION ADVANCED CHEMICALS INC. under other than full and open competition by the authority of FAR subpart 13.1 using the authority in FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) Soliciting from a Single Source - Not Exceeding Simplified Acquisition Threshold.  

NIST furnished LaB6 powder for SRM 660d must be uniquely annealed to grow lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) crystallites used in the characterization and calibration of both x-ray and neutron diffraction instruments.

Materion is the sole source for the custom annealing.  The techniques and parameters developed for preprocess set-up, run times, temperatures, and post process materials handling are proprietary.  Materion does not authorize third party vendors to manufacture or distribute the end product. 

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 327999.

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 4:00 p.m. (EST) on August 4, 2022. 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.