The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate a firm fixed price purchase order, on a sole source basis, with Fluke Electronics. for the procurement of one Fluke Electronics Model 4488058 Ultra Low Temperature Bath. The statutory authority for this sole source acquisition is FAR 13.106-1(b) by the authority of FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Thermodynamic Metrology Group realizes, maintains, and disseminates the national measurement standards for temperature, humidity, pressure, vacuum, and leaks. The Industrial Thermometer Calibration Lab (ITCL) is responsible for the calibration of the thermometers used in the US and world-wide industries to maintain control of processes that need critical measurement of the temperature. To keep the ITCL functioning at the high level needed to test and ensure the proper operation of thermometers, the ITCL must have the capacity to calibrate thermometers in the temperature ranges needed. These temperature range are as low as -100 °C. This range of temperature is not easily realized unless you have the equipment designed to efficiently hold these temperatures stable. The current low temperature bath has been in continuous operation since 1998 and lately it is showing signs of its age, parts are wearing out and some of its systems are no longer serviceable.

The ITCL uses one low temperature bath. This low temperature bath is used to realize temperatures in the range of -40 °C to -100 °C. This range is necessary to cover special points in the calibration called fixed points which are used in the calculation of coefficients that linearize thermometer response. NIST shall be replacing the existing bath in which existing hardware and software must be able to communicate with so that measurement standards remain consistent, and the replacement bath shall act as a 100% direct replacement for the current aging bath.

Extensive market research performed has concluded that Fluke Electronics is the only commercial source that is able to meet our compatibility requirements and meet the -100 °C (ultra low temperature) requirements.

Fluke Electronics is the sole source supplier of this Fluke Electronics brand name equipment. Fluke Electronics does not have any authorized resellers or distributors of this propriety equipment which is able to serve as a direct replacement to the current aging bath and communicate directly with the existing hardware and software which is made specifically to work with the required Fluke Electronics model 4488058 Ultra Low Temperature Bath.

Delivery shall be FOB DESTINATION and shall be in accordance with the Contractors established service lead times.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 333513 and the size standard is 750 employees.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all responsible sources interested may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by established due date/time set forth in this notice. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to joni.laster@nist.gov . No telephone requests will be honored.

A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.

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