VH Workstations

The National Institute on Aging, IRP, intends to negotiate and award a purchase order on a noncompetitive basis with Newport Corporation, Irvine, California. The requirement is for five VH Workstations 36 x 48, #VH3648W-OPT with the following configuration: 29 breadboard scientific GR4; 01 Frame Assy w/Isolators; 01 Support Rail Assy 36x48; 01 Kit, castor, VH White; 02 Shelf Table top 10x36; 01 cable management assy including rigging and shipping charges. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, 41U.S.C. 253 (3)(1), FAR 13.106-1(2)(b). The cited authority is applicable because the Newport Corporation is the only source that can fulfill the requirements of this contract. The vibration dampening tables included in this order will be used with highly vibration sensitive, computer-aided quantitative morphometry equipment, including a Zeiss 710 laser scanning microscope. Newport Corporation is the industry leader in vibration control technology and provides vibration dampening capacity substantially exceeding their competitors. Previous testing of products from other companies at the Biomedical Research Center, NIA have failed to provide adequate vibration control. In addition, Zeiss will only guarantee that their equipment will perform within specifications when used in conjunction with the quoted tables from Newport. Estimated delivery date is 4 weeks. This acquisition is being conducted under Simplified Acquisition procedures and is exempt from the requirements of FAR, Part 6, Competition Requirement. Award will be made on an all or none basis to the lowest price, technically acceptable source.