J -- INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE TO METTLER-TOLEDO, COLUMBUS, OHIO

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plans to enter into a sole source contract with Mettler-Toledo, Inc., located in Columbus, Ohio, for a two-year maintenance and service agreement covering five comparators. This action is authorized under FAR 13.106-1(b), permitting solicitation from a single source when no other sources are available. After conducting market research, NIST found no other suppliers capable of providing the necessary maintenance and service. Should no alternative sources be identified by May 30, 2007, NIST intends to issue a firm-fixed price purchase order to Mettler-Toledo around May 31, 2007. Interested parties are invited to submit written responses indicating their interest and capability to fulfill the contract requirement by the specified response date. These submissions must include sufficient evidence to demonstrate a bona fide ability to provide the required services. The decision to compete the contract based on these responses remains at the discretion of the government. It is important to note that this notice serves as an intent to sole source and is not a formal Request for Quotation. The contracting office handling this requirement is situated in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and the point of contact for inquiries is Contract Specialist Albert J Petto Jr.