Non-fluorescent Fused Silica Cuvettes

ACTION CODE: NOTICE OF INTENT SUBJECT: Non-Fluorescent Fused Silica Cuvettes Reference Number: NB644020-14-04770 RESPONSE DATE: August 22, 2014 CONTACT POINTS: Carolyn Baltimore, 301-975-6289 (carolyn.baltimore@nist.gov Brian Jamieson, 301-975-8276, (brian.jamieson@nist.gov. LOCATION: Acquisition Management Division DESCRIPTION: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis with Starna Cells, Inc., P O Box 1919, Atascadero, CA 93423 under Other Than Full and Open Competition by the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements, to procure 100 units of optical quality, non-fluorescent fused silica cuvettes intended for the preparation of SRM 2034 Holmium Oxide Wavelength Standard. Starna Cells has previously provided both prototype and production cuvettes to be sealed in a unique manner to NIST specifications to accommodate the small sample compartments in commercial spectrometers. The design of the top of the cell-the manner of attachment of the quartz fill tube, in particular, is very important with regard to the ability for us to glue a protective cap over the cuvette after it has been filled and flame-sealed. NIST has discovered that different vendors attach this tube in different ways, causing us to need modifications in the machining of the caps by (NIST shops). Even then, the caps do not fit as well as for the sharp shouldered Starna Design. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. Inquiries will only be accepted via e-mail to Carolyn.baltimore@nist.gov. The government will consider responses received by 22 August, 2014. Written responses to this synopsis shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. This Notice of Intent is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a request for competition. No telephone requests will be honored. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 327215 and the size standard is 500.