NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE Hyperspectral Imaging Microscope

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole-source basis, with Photon Etc.; 5795 DE GASPE Ave, #222 Montreal, Quebec, H2S 2X3, under the authority of FAR Part 13.106-1(b), for the procurement of a Hyperspectral Imaging Microscope to be used by NIST Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML), in Gaithersburg, MD.  

***** Sole source determination is based on the need to acquire one (1) hyperspectral imaging microscope. This acquisition will allow PML to characterize the spectral response of nanoscale materials and devices on micron length scales as an intermediary to advanced nanoscale spectroscopy and larger device scale spectroscopy.  The tool will be a component of a spectroscopy suite and be a foundation to several more advanced spectroscopies within the group.

PML requires a hyperspectral imaging microscope that is capable of both spectral and spatial acquisition of full image in the entire field of view and thus it is not acceptable to build spectral images by using line scan or point by point scanning methods. Line scan or point-by-point scanning modes lead to missing optical dynamics in materials of interest such as ion migration in perovskites or optical doping of nanoelectronic materials. These modes also make quantification more difficult adding uncertainty as there could be sample and spectral drift during image acquisition. Only one company, Photon etc., provides a hyperspectral imaging microscope that provides this full field of view capability. Without this full field of view capability, the data quality will be insufficient to meet our needs to fully understand the spatial and spectral response of nanoscale materials. Photon Etc. is the sole manufacturer with no authorized distributors.  

Therefore, Photon Etc.  is the sole source vendor for the required MPL.  

***** The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition 334516– Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a size standard of 1,000 employees.    

***** 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 be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

*****No solicitation package will be issued.  This notice of intent is not a request for quotations.  Interested parties that believe they can satisfy the requirements listed above must identify their capability in writing before the response date of this notice. Only responses received by July 30, 2021, 11:59 p.m., EST will be considered by the government. Responses shall be submitted via email to tracy.bisson@nist.go or forest.crumpler@nist.gov .