66 -- LINEAR ACCELERATOR

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Mayo Clinic, of Rochester, MN, for acquisition of one (1) Used Varian Clinic 2100C Linear Accelerator. The system will be used in the Ionizing Radiation Division, at NIST, in its radiation-dosimetry program, to provide guidelines and standards to the medical oncology community.*****Sole source determination is based on (a) the need for a research quality linear accelerator in mint condition with the same characteristics as those used in clinical settings, and (b) availability of the linear accelerator within eight (8) weeks or less after receipt of the purchase order . The Varian Clinac 2100C is a state-of-the-art medical accelerator in widespread use throughout the world. The machine produces a number of electron and high-energy x-ray beams used for the clinical treatment of cancer. In order for NIST's instrument-calibration studies/services to provide the most benefit to the medical oncology community, it is critical that the research be conducted on the Varian unit, as it provides a full range of electron beams and the high-energy x-ray beams most often used in the clinic. The Mayo Clinic owns and operates several Varian linear accelerators for radiotherapy, and they have many years of experience working with these machines. One of these machines, a Clinac 2100C, is due to be replaced in September 2002, as part of their normal replacement schedule. The short delivery time of this Mayo accelerator benefits NIST since it will allow a standards program in medical dosimetry to begin in a timely manner. Mayo will also be providing to NIST a copy of all maintenance and service records on the 2100C linear accelerator. The Mayo Clinic's level of expertise and experience with these accelerators, and their worldwide reputation as a leader in the field of radiation oncology, make them uniquely qualified to meet NIST's requirement.*****Delivery shall be FOB Destination, Gaithersburg, MD, and is required within eight (8) weeks or less after receipt of purchase order (ARO).*****The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516, 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, responses received by August 9, 2002, 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.*****