--NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE

The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Directorate of Contracting at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, intends to award a sole-source contract to Agilent Technologies, located in Wilmington, DE. Agilent Technologies, classified as a large business within the manufacturing sector, is the only authorized provider of preventive maintenance and repairs for the specified equipment without voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. This action is being undertaken under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, allowing for non-competitive negotiation due to the unique capabilities of the contractor. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code associated with this requirement is 334511, with the company falling under a size standard of 750 employees. The notice invites interested parties to express their interest in writing to the government point of contact, Rosalind McFadden, by 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on July 1, 2008. However, this notice is not a solicitation for competitive proposals or offers but rather an announcement of the intent to negotiate exclusively with Agilent Technologies. This action ensures continuity of service and maintenance under the terms set forth, emphasizing the exclusive nature of Agilent’s authorization to perform such maintenance without compromising warranty coverage.