NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE - Repair - Proprietary Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Camera

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acquisition Management Division on behalf of the Communications Technology Laboratory, RF Technology Division intends to negotiate with Sensors Unlimited, Inc. on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b), soliciting from a single source, for the acquisition of repair services for proprietary Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Cameras referenced herein.

Specific Requirements:

Item Specifications and Quantities:

Item 1: REPAIR SUI Model 320CSX Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Quantity: 2 EA

Cameras are to be repaired to working order so they can be restored to their location as beacon detection cameras within the Fiber Sources and Applications Group’s time transfer terminals. Work entails diagnosing and replacing faulty electrical subassemblies within the camera and providing manufacturer's warranty. Only the original camera manufacturer, Sensors Unlimited, Inc. (SUI) has the proprietary knowledge and technical ability to repair these cameras.

NAICS Code is 334519 - Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing, with a Size Standard of 500 Employees. NIST anticipates negotiating and awarding a firm-fixed-price purchase order to Sensors Unlimited, Inc. for this requirement.

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AN OPEN COMPETITION: Market research resulted in Sensors Unlimited, Inc. being the only vendor to repair and align Two Model 320CSX Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Cameras that contain highly complex technology proprietary to Sensors Unlimited, Inc., the Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Using vendor companies or personnel not certified and authorized by Sensors Unlimited to perform the repairs runs an unacceptable risk of irreparable damage to the cameras as well as risk of proprietary claim infringement. Interested parties that can demonstrate they could satisfy the requirement listed above for NIST must clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing on or before the response date for this notice. This notice of intent is not a solicitation.

Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether competitive procedures could be used for this acquisition. If competitive procedures are not used, it is estimated that an award will be issued 4th Quarter FY24. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to clifford.nicholson@nist.gov. All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted to clifford.nicholson@nist.gov no later than 8/5/2024 at 10:00 a.m. MDT.