67 -- Instaspec IR System

The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Newport Stratford, Inc. for a high performance infrared spectroscopy camera designed to measure fluorescence from semiconductor quantum dots. The camera must meet specific technical requirements including photosensitivity in the 900-1600nm range, at least 1340 pixels in the lateral dimension with pixel spacing suitable for a 25.4 mm area, gating capabilities down to 50 microseconds, a maximum signal-to-noise ratio for photon fluxes between 5,000 and 100,000 photons per pixel, and compatibility with existing equipment and software. This procurement follows simplified acquisition procedures under FAR Part 13, with a threshold not to exceed $100,000, and is conducted without competitive solicitation. The contract, identified as the Instaspec IR System (solicitation number NB815040-7-10770MBY), was posted on April 20, 2007, with an anticipated award date of May 4, 2007. The office responsible for the contract is located in Seattle, Washington, under the Department of Commerce. Communications regarding the notice are directed to Contract Specialist Michelle B Yates. Responses to the notice will be used solely to evaluate whether competitive procurement would be in the government’s best interest. The procurement is targeted at acquiring a system that fully satisfies NIST’s technical and operational needs for accurate fluorescence measurement in quantum dot research.