Purchase of TA Instruments ARES-G2 Accessories

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), with TA Instruments located at 159 Lukens Drive, New Castle, Delaware, 19720 to purchase an Advanced Peltier System (Part # 402500.901) and a Double Wall Ring Interfacial Rheology System (Part #402820.901) to expand the capabilities of a NIST owned ARES-G2 (Serial #4010-0820).

The sole source justification is based on the following: The required accessories for the ARES-G2 will expand the capabilities of the ARES-G2 to measure a wider range of materials, especially complex fluids with volatile suspension media. This expansion will provide NIST with advanced analytical methods and measurement capabilities for characterization of soft matter and complex fluids which is not currently available on the current configuration of the NIST owned ARES-G2.

Market research has shown that TA Instruments is the sole company who can provide this equipment to NIST.

Given these facts, TA Instruments is the only source reasonably available to provide the required equipment.

The resulting purchase order will be a Firm Fixed Price purchase order. The NAICS Code is 334516 with a size standard of 1,000 employees.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 11:00 am EST June 23rd 2016, will be considered by the Government.

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.