NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE Leica brand Laser Tracker system (model AT960 LR) and Accessories

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole-source basis, with Equipment Resource Center, Inc (ERC) the GSA reseller of manufacturer Hexagon Metrology, 1204 Don Ave, Westminster, MD 21157 under the authority of FAR Part 13.106-1(b), for the procurement of a new Laser Tracker and accessories to be used by NCNR, in Gaithersburg, MD.  

***** Sole source determination is based on the need to acquire a Leica brand Laser Tracker system (model AT960 LR) along with the Leica branded T-Probe III and T-Mac III devices to conduct measurement research and to develop future documentary standards. These Leica branded items are required because they are the only systems of its kind that can allow a laser tracker to be deployed as a real-time positional feedback mechanism for controlling multi degree-of-freedom (DoF) robotic arms. In particular when the Leica T-Mac is coupled with additional accessories such as their Automation Interface controller, T-Mac Inspect, and Real Time Feature Pack, it will allow NIST to build tactile probe coordinate measuring machine from a multi DoF robotic arm, which is an eventual goal. This laser tracker and accessories are also the only systems compatible with NIST owned Renishaw probes which can be connected to the Leica T-Mac III device.

Market Research found only Hexagon Metrology sells the required Leica instruments. After contacting Hexagon Metrology, the company indicated they had a small business reseller on GSA that they would authorize to sell their products. Thus it was found the best acquisition method would be to compete as a sole source to the reseller Equipment Resource Center, Inc (ERC).

***** 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