Inactive

The U.S. EPA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with Oxford Instruments for a AZtecLive Automated Microanalysis System with UltimMax 100 Large A... The U.S. EPA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with Oxford Instruments for a AZtecLive Automated Microanalysis System with UltimMax 100 Large Area Analytical Silicon Drift Detector. The EPA has identified Oxford Instruments as the only contractor able to meet the requirements of this procurement. EPA has a Tescan SEM that allows scientists to visualize particles on sample grids and in biological samples, but once the particles are visualized there is no way to determine if they are engineered nanoparticles or if they are other particle contaminants that occur naturally in the environment. The Tescan SEM coupled with the X-ray microanalysis system will allow us to identify the elemental composition of particles in our samples so we can confirm the presence of these materials in our test samples. Because of the small particle size, the X-ray microanalysis system needs to have a large sensor area to allow us to image and analyze the smallest possible samples, and it needs to be fully compatible with our existing TESCAN SEM. In addition, EPA needs live electron imaging that constructs X-ray maps and spectra simultaneously from the same image. Oxford is the only company that uses a full 100 mm2 sensor area with performance specifications required for low energy X-ray detection, consistent with WEDs needs; Mn, F, and C resolution guaranteed and tested at 130,000 cps. This will result in a firm-fixed price contract. We anticipate issuing a solicitation on or about April 17, 2019. The acquisition of these commercial services will be processed in accordance with FAR Parts 12 and 13. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. It is our intent to award a single fixed price purchase order to procure the required items. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTATIONS. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Sources wishing to be considered MUST submit documentation to the office identified in this notice. Documentation must be submitted within 15 calendar days of the date of publication of this notice. Submit your capability statement in writing to Sean Young via email at young.sean@epa.gov. Telephone requests will not be honored.