Upgrade to existing nanonics near-field scanning optical microscope

NASA/LARC has a requirement for an upgrade to an existing Nanonics Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscope (NSOM). NASA/LARC intends to purchase the items from Nanonics Imaging Ltd. The existing NSOM instrument is manufactured and developed by Nanonics Imaging, and has unique and proprietary software and hardware designed to work with the instrument. It would take substantial duplication of resources and time for another source to provide the required upgrade, and this additional expense is not expected to be recovered through competition. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 12:30 p.m. local time on 07/17/2012. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html .