Intent to Issue Sole Source Award/Modification

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL, AN INVITATION FOR BIDS, OR A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. FURTHER, IT DOES NOT REPRESENT A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR COSTS INCURRED IN PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF DATA OR ANY OTHER COSTS INCURRED IN PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF DATA OR ANY OTHER COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) intends to solicit and award a sole source firm fixed price contract modification for the requirement of one �TMC STACIS SEM-Base VI Floor Platform� to FEI Company, a part of ThermoFisher Scientific, Inc. The authority for which this requirement will be awarded is FAR 6.203-1(a)(2), based on FEI�s unique technical qualifications as the only known company authorized to provide the isolation platform, including installation. On September 27, 2019 the Office of Research and Engineering (RE) awarded a contract to FEI for a new Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope (VP-SEM), to replace an older instrument. At the time of installation of the current instrument in 2011, a TMC STACIS� iX SEM-Base� Floor Platform and a Mag-NetX� Magnetic Field Cancellation system were installed to isolate the SEM from floor vibration and magnetic fields associated with building electrical systems and other environmental factors. The SEM-Base and Magnetic Field Cancellation system were necessary in order to ensure optimum operability of the older instrument. After awarding the contract to FEI in FY19, FEI conducted a site survey for installation of the new VP-SEM, during which the floor vibration and magnetic fields were measured at the installation location in the NTSB Materials Laboratory. It was determined that the existing Mag-NetX� Magnetic Field Cancellation system was sufficient to nullify magnetic fields at the instrument; however, the existing TMC STACIS� iX SEM-Base� Floor Platform did not sufficiently mitigate floor vibrations. The site survey revealed that for acceptable performance of the new VP-SEM, the critical range for vertical and horizonal vibration is from 0.5 Hz to 10 Hz. In this range, the existing iX SEM-Base provides about 1.67X to 12.5X reduction in vibration over the frequency range; however, the new VP-SEM requires 4X to 25X reduction�which is not sufficient to ensure that the new VP-SEM performs to mission requirements. Hence, a new vibration isolation platform solution is required. The new VP-SEM was purchased under turnkey terms, whereby FEI is solely responsible to ensure an instrument that meets mission specifications. FEI has a strong relationship with TMC for vibration isolation and magnetic field cancellation systems and is their preferred vendor. Hence, FEI planned to reuse the existing TMC STACIS� iX SEM-Base� Floor Platform and a Mag-NetX� Magnetic Field Cancellation system when their proposal was proffered. After a site survey, it was determined that the SEM-Base� Floor Platform would not provide sufficient vibration isolation. Based on the above reasoning, upgrading to the TMC STACIS SEM-Base VI Floor Platform would be the least disruptive and most compatible solution to improve the vibration isolation of the new VP-SEM. In addition, purchasing the Platform from FEI ensures that the VP-FESEM and all accessories are being serviced and maintained by one vendor � reducing the potential for a significant administrative burden, scheduling conflicts, and installation delays. It also ensures system operability and as little down-time as possible, as one vendor will be responsible for the interoperability of the VP-FESEM and anti-vibration accessories. Estimated time frame/period of performance: No longer than eight (8) weeks after execution of contract modification/receipt of order. Sources capable of fully satisfying the above requirements are invited to submit capability statements/expressions of interest providing the Government the necessary information to determine actual capability. At a minimum, this information, which shall be prepared specifically in response to this notice shall include: (1) identification of company or organization; (2) an assertion of existing, full capability to meet proposed requirements; (3) business/contracts/marketing office point(s) of contact; (4) notification of business size and/or special status; and (5) any additional information that may be useful to the successful procurement of the requirements, if solicited. These expressions of interest shall adhere to a five (5)-page submission limit plus web links and any specialized product descriptions. The statement of qualifications should include only information that clearly demonstrates the respondent's capabilities, expertise, and experience to provide the requirements described in this notice. General marketing material should not be included. The NTSB prefers that companies do not submit proprietary material. However, the Government recognizes that proprietary data may be a part of your submission. If so, clearly mark such restricted or proprietary data and present it as an addendum to the non-restricted/non-proprietary information. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by NTSB. Parties must submit information within five (5) business days of publication of this notice. NTSB will not return capability statements and the supporting documentation submitted in response to this notice. Telephone responses and inquiries will not be accepted. You may email questions regarding this notice to the issuing office to Kate Campbell, Contract Specialist, at kate.campbell@ntsb.gov.