Gemini 6040 X-Ray Inspection System

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposes to enter into a sole source firm-fixed price purchase order entitled, "Gemini 6040 X-ray Inspection System" with American Science & Engineering, Inc (AS&E) of Billerica, MA. The period of performance will span from October 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015. See Attachment #1 for a full listing of requirements for this system. This equipment will be used in the screening of visitors to the Region II Office as required in accordance with established Department of Homeland Security, Interagency Security Committee Standards (ISCs), created by Executive Order (E.O.) 12977, NRC MDs, applicable sections of the United States Code of Federal Regulations, and other applicable Executive Orders and Presidential Directives. The AS&E Gemini 6040 X-Ray Inspection System, with the Z Backscatter technology, is the agency standard used throughout the NRC's office buildings. It is extremely important that the NRC is consistent with the X-Ray inspection systems. Introducing new equipment at this point would require approximately 10 security officers and 8 mailroom staff be trained on the new equipment, creating an additional cost. The NRC has invested approximately 450 hours of training over the past three years to train its security guards and mailroom personnel on the current Backscatter system. Use of x-ray machines from other manufacturers would require multiple sets of guard post orders and operational instructions for security guards and mailroom personnel on the different types of machines. The Z Backscatter technology that exists in the Gemini 6040 X-Ray Inspection System is proprietary to AS&E. Therefore, this system and technology is only manufactured by AS&E and can only be purchased through AS&E. Based on NRC's recent market research, NRC has only identified one source that can provide the required Gemini 6040 X-ray Inspection System: AS&E. Therefore, the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit quotations. This is not a request for competitive proposals. Request for copies of this solicitation will not be honored unless the respondent provides evidence showing their capability to perform the required services. Telephonic responses and responses providing insufficient information for evaluation will not be considered.