Intent to award a sole source contract

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) intends to award a sole source contract to Agilent Technologies, 2850 Centerville Road BU3-2, Wilmington, DE 19808, for a portable Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer, 4500a FTIR and ATR polymers and polymers additives configuration. The following requirements must be met: (a) Spectral range from 650 to 4000 cm-1, at minimum. (b) Wavenumber resolution of 4 cm-1, or better. (c) Detection limit of 1% or better for measuring phthalates in a variety of plastic matrices. (d) Instrument must be capable of running off battery power and external power supply. Battery power alone must operate the instrument for at least 2 continuous hours. Battery must be rechargeable. AC power cable must be standard North American 15 or 20 A and 125 V. (e) All components necessary for field operation (system, computer {if external}, power supply, etc.) must weigh no more than 15 lbs. System must have a handle and/or come in carrying case for transport. (f) System must be able to export data to a Windows PC or portable media (such as a USB flash drive or SD card) in .JPEG or .SPC format, or other format compatible with Microsoft Office software. (g) Minimum of one year full warranty, including parts, labor, and travel. (h) Firmware and software updates to improve performance are included for lifetime of instrument. (i) Instrument must be new and a model in current production. Refurbished or demonstrator instruments not acceptable. User Interface (UI) Specifications: (a) UI should include a user mode in which it relays results in a format similar to "Pass/Fail/Uncertain" in regards to the presence of detectable levels of phthalates without user interpretation required. (b) UI should automatically compare results to a spectral database, and when possible, display the type of plastic and plasticizer (or other appropriate information). (c) UI should notify user when background spectrum needs to be taken. (d) UI should include an "Expert mode." "Expert" functions must include adding spectrum and identity to library for future reference, viewing the raw spectrum, and searching the spectral library. (e) Computer memory must be able to save data internally, with simple function to export one or multiple spectra. Under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency requirements. This notice is NOT a request for competitive quotes; however, any firm that believes it can supply the required product may give written notice to the Contract Specialist via email at rsmith@cpsc.gov, by July 8, 2015. Supporting evidence must be furnished in sufficient detail to the above listed address, Attn: Renita Smith, Contract Specialist. No telephone requests will be accepted. Responses will be evaluated, however a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. If no responses are received, CPSC will proceed with the sole source award to Agilent Technologies.