Reference Number: NHLBI-CSB-AR-2013-066-CSP Title: Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source to Gatan, Inc. for Electron Microscope CCD Cameras Service Agreement The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Office of Acquisitions (OA), on behalf of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), intends to negotiate on a sole source basis and award a contract, for a Electron Microscope CCD Cameras Service Agreement, to Gatan, Inc., 5794 W Las Positas Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94588, under the authority of (FAR) Subpart 13.106-1. "(b) Soliciting from a single source. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. This announcement constitutes the only notice; proposals are not being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-62, December 20, 2012. The corresponding NAICS code is 811219 - Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance and the small business size standard is $19.0 Million. The basis for the sole source determination: The sole source determination is based on the fact that Gatan's service engineers undergo extensive factory training on how to maintain and repair the equipment. These service engineers also have the necessary knowledge to service all aspects of these instruments, including hardware, software and proprietary components, and their training is kept current. Gatan's service engineers have access to all instrument operation and repair information, including manuals, schematics and technical bulletins. Gatan is the sole manufacturer of their products in the United States. Their equipment is complex and highly specialized, and requires trained Gatan service engineers to install, service, and repair them. Gatan does not authorize anyone else to do a pre-inspection. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement, in writing, no later than the response date. Written responses to this notice shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement. Written responses shall reference this Notice of Intent No. NHLBI-CSB-AR-2013-066-CSP and may be submitted electronically NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. EASTERN STANDARD TIME January 21, 2013 to the Contract Specialist, Caitlin Palmer at: Caitlin.palmer@nih.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract 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.
