QS-B220 Benchtop Explosive and Narcotics Trace Detection System (Brand Name Only)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acquisition Management Division, on behalf of the Materials Measurement Science Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Implant Sciences Corporation, 600 Research Drive, Wilmington, MA 01887 for the purchase of a QS-B220 Benchtop Explosive and Narcotics Trace Detection System to be delivered to NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

Sole Source determination is based on the following: The mission of NIST, as mandated by Congress, is to develop and promote measurements, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. Reliable standards are needed to test the performance and effectiveness of trace explosive and narcotic detectors, which protect the public and infrastructure of the U.S. Currently, NIST has an active program in trace detection metrology using state-of-the-art ion mobility spectrometers (IMS) for trace explosives and narcotics detection. This program, in part, is designed to meet the measurement quality needs of the Transportation Security Agency (TSA). NIST is currently developing standards for aviation security and requires a new state-of-the-art trace explosive detector system.

Because the explosive trace detection (ETD) system will be used to support aviation security in the United States, the ETD system must be qualified and/or approved for use by the TSA. Currently, there are only three instruments currently on the TSA qualified/approved products ETD list (TSA Air Cargo Screening Technology List, Version 8.4 as of 1/31/2013): the 1) Implant Science Quantum Sniffer B220, the 2) Morpho Detection Itemiser DX, and the 3) Smiths Detection Ionscan 500DT. NIST currently owns several of the latter two instruments:

Implant Sciences Corporation is the only vendor capable of providing the required QS-B220 Benchtop Explosive and Narcotics Trace Detection System in order to satisfy the Government's minimum requirements. Implant Sciences Corporation is the sole manufacturer and distributor.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334519, 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, the Government will consider responses received by August 29, 2013, 3:30 p.m. EST.

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.