Notice of intent to sole source: UHV low temperature STM system

FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: PRESOLICITATION NOTICE/ NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

SUBJECT: NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: OXFORD INSTRUMENTS AMERICA, INC.

DESCRIPTION:

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 OXFORD INSTRUMENTS AMERICA, INC. for the purchase of a UHV LOW TEMPERATURE STM SYSTEM to perform in-situ device fabrication and characterization at T<5K with large scan range, low thermal drift and high tunneling stability under other than full and open competition by the authority of FAR subpart 13.106(1)(b).

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Semiconductor and Dimensional Metrology Division (SDMD) provides leadership in conducting research in the areas of dimensional, nanometer-scale, surface, and acoustic pressure metrology; accelerometry; silicon Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology; MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS); power electronics; nanoelectronics; and flexible/printed electronics.

This acquisition is required for an Atom based laboratory is developing capabilities of fabricating atomic scale devices based on atomically precise lithography and selective dopant placement. Our project requires a LT-STM to perform in-situ device fabrication and characterization at T<5K with large scan range, low thermal drift and high tunneling stability.

OXFORD INSTRUMENTS AMERICA, INC. is the only contractor that can provide the Omicron LT-STM is fully compatible with the existing sample and tip transfer mechanisms and exiting sample and tip preparation and characterization stations. Furthermore there is an extensive development cost in creating the hydrogen lithography techniques and spectroscopy methods established in our atom based device fabrication procedures and is fully compatible with our established sample preparation and transfer mechanisms. OXFORD INSTRUMENTS AMERICA, INC. does not have resellers of their products.

This requirement is expected to be awarded in September, 2015.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516, and the size standard is 500 employees.

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 12:00 PM EST (Noon) on Thursday August 6, 2015. 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.