In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) intends to award a purchase order on a sole source basis to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) for access and use of various instruments in their material characterization facilities for the period of performance 05/01/2024 – 04/30/2025 to carry out research projects. NETL requires access to advanced microscopy and microstructural characterization techniques that are not available at NETL sites. Microscopy and microstructural characterization techniques are used to evaluate solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) structure and how changes in such structure corresponds to changes in performance. Techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are vital to achieving these goals and objectives.

This is considered a sole source to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) because, to the best of the NETL’s knowledge based on market research conducted, CMU is the sole source provider within close proximity to the NETL-Pittsburgh site and CMU has a vast selection of microscopy equipment that will allow NETL access to the experimental facilities required. The CMU facility has advanced high resolution electron microscopy, focused ion beam sample preparation facilities, and x-ray diffraction which no other facility has collectively in the Pittsburgh area. No known potential alternate sources exist which could satisfy NETLs requirement.

This notice of intent is not a request for quote/proposal. Any interested party that believes it is capable of meeting the NETL requirement described herein may identify themselves and must provide evidence of their capability to fulfill the requirement being requested by 4:00 PM EDT on April 3, 2024. Responses must be submitted in writing to the contracting officer, David Lahey, via email at david.lahey@netl.doe.gov no later than the time and date noted above. Telephone responses and requests will not be received.

A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

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