--SUBJECT: NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE TO PANALYTICAL INC. FOR REPAIR AND MOVE OF A PANALYTICAL PW3040-PRO XRD SYSTEM.

The U.S. Army Contracting Agency at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland intends to award a sole-source contract to PANalytical Inc. for the repair, disassembly, and reinstallation of a PANalytical PW3040-PRO X-ray diffraction (XRD) system. PANalytical, located in Natick, Massachusetts, is uniquely qualified for this work as the manufacturer of the equipment, possessing exclusive expertise in its maintenance and handling. This contract is to be negotiated under FAR 6.302-1, which allows for non-competitive procurement due to the specialized nature of the services required. The acquisition falls under the North American Industry Classification System code 238290, with a size standard of $13 million. Although this notice signals the government's intention to award the contract without competition, interested parties may submit their interest in writing to the contracting officer by the specified deadline of September 22, 2006, at noon Eastern Daylight Time. The point of contact for this action is Emily Schwemmer, Contract Specialist, whose contact information is provided for further inquiries. This announcement is strictly a notice of intent and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals.