NOTICE OF INTENT: Thermo TSQ Quantis Mass Spectrometer Service Agreement

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), for an agreement to maintain and service a Thermo TSQ Quantis Mass Spectrometer from: THERMO ELECTRON NORTH AMERICA LLC (1400 Northpoint PKWY STE 10 West Palm Beach, Florida, 33407-1976)

SAM UEI: CMBPHDRMCS51 Sole Source Justification as follows:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Materials Measurement Science Division (MMSD) develops measurements and standards to support the forensic characterization of explosives and narcotics using various analytical methods. Our ongoing work in homeland security, forensic science, and public safety requires sensitive instrumentation to separate and measure explosives and narcotics accurately. One of the main instruments we use is a Thermo TSQ Quantis mass spectrometer.

This instrumentation provides high-sensitivity quantification and research capabilities across a breadth of projects. A preventative maintenance service contract agreement is needed for a Thermo TSQ Quantis triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (serial number: TSQ-Q-10285). This instrument is crucial for the quantitative analysis of various analytes to support work completed for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and multiple collaborations with the forensic and public health communities.

Continuing the preventative maintenance service contract will allow us to maintain the high level of sensitivity and repeatability needed for the success of these collaborations. Only Thermo Fisher Scientific can supply the required service and guarantee that the maintenance and parts will be fully compatible with the equipment and meet the original manufacturer's specifications.

The instrument software updates, service and use manuals, and schematics are proprietary to Thermo Fisher Scientific and unavailable to the general public. Market Research indicates that Thermo Fisher Scientific does not license third-party technicians to perform maintenance on this specialized equipment. This notice is not a request for a competitive quotation.

However, if any interested party, especially small businesses, believes it can meet the above requirement, it may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which the agency shall consider. The statement of capabilities and any other information furnished must be in writing. They must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the NIST to determine if the party can perform the requirement.

Responses must be received no later than 10:00 AM EST, August 19, 2024. All responses and questions must be in writing and emailed to Rudolph Spencer, Contract Specialist, via electronic mail at Rudolph.spencer@nist.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

In order to receive an award, Contractors must be registered and have valid, current Entity Records, including current Representations and Certifications, in the System for Award Management (SAM) through SAM.gov.

Reference: NB643050-24-00517 on all correspondence. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use the information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Confidentiality. Your response should not include proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information.

The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s). The resulting purchase order will be a Firm-Fixed Price purchase order. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 811210 – Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance; and the small business size standard is $34 million.