Service Life Extension Program and Capacitor Replacement Services

Notice of Intent to Sole Source

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Information Access Division Biometrics Research Lab intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106(b)(1), with Chesapeake Mission Critical LLC to acquire Service Life Extension Program and Capacitor Replacement services for its preexisting Eaton 9390 UPS to extend the useful life of the systems by at least another 5 years versus procuring new systems.

Background Information and Basis for Sole Source

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Information Access Division Biometrics Research Lab was created to support NIST biometrics research, standards, and evaluations. NIST requires the use of large data sets for evaluations that can be shared between Linux and Microsoft Windows computer blades. The computer blade hardware needs to be powered by uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) battery backup units to protect the hardware from power surges, brownouts, and power loss. To support its mission, the Information Access Division Biometrics Research Lab requires Service Life Extension Program and Capacitor Replacement services for its preexisting Eaton 9390 UPS to extend the useful life of the systems by at least another 5 years versus procuring new systems.

NIST had contacted Eaton Corporation to inquire about authorized Eaton dealers able to provide service to NIST in the VA, MD, DC area. Eaton confirmed there is only one trusted partner Eaton dealer. Additionally, Eaton is the only authorized provider of service support with the Eaton developed proprietary service software for 3-phase UPS products. Eaton does not train, certify, or support independent third-party service providers to deliver or service its UPS and power quality products.  Software and firmware updates are protected on their internal network and not available to their customers. An Eaton Customer Service Engineer (CSE) must install them. Use of service technicians other than Eaton-certified technicians for installation, repair, and maintenance services will void the contract and the government will be responsible for repairs. Furthermore, this requirement requires eight-hour response time. 

Therefore, the Government intends to negotiate with the one trusted Eaton Corporation Authorized partner, Chesapeake Mission Critical LLC, assigned to provide service support for this requirement.

General

The North American Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 811210,

Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance. The small business size standard is $34.0M.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, responses received by the listed due date, 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.

Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing on or before the response due date for this notice. This notice of intent is not a solicitation. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to Seth Kaplan at seth.kaplan@nist.gov. All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted so that they are received at seth.kaplan@nist.gov no later than the aforementioned due date.