SPECIAL NOTICE
99 -- Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Optical Photothermal Infrared (OPTIR) Microscope
- Notice Date
- 3/16/2023 1:05:43 PM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 334516
— Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- DEPT OF COMMERCE NIST GAITHERSBURG MD 20899 USA
- ZIP Code
- 20899
- Solicitation Number
- NB643030-23-00645
- Response Due
- 3/31/2023 10:00:00 AM
- Point of Contact
- Sadaf Afkhami, Phone: 3019753976, Donald Graham, Phone: 3019758567
- E-Mail Address
-
Sadaf.Afkhami@nist.gov, donald.graham@nist.gov
(Sadaf.Afkhami@nist.gov, donald.graham@nist.gov)
- Description
- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with: Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp. 325 Chapala Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 The sole source justification is based on the following: The Material Measurement Laboratory�s Materials Measurement Science Division (MMSD) conducts research on the development of innovative metrologies and measurement protocols for micro/nano-scale plastic particles. Measurement methods are used to detect and identify plastics in environmental and commercial environments, which include determining composition, quantity and extent of chemical aging to help manufacturers and regulators assess risk. MMSD has an ongoing project to support our federal regulatory agencies and industrial stakeholder's efforts for method development to assess risk by increasing detection and increasing spatial resolution of characterization methods currently used. The Nanomaterial Research Group (NRG), within the MMSD, requires an infrared microscope capable of spectroscopy and imaging of plastic particles below 500 nm to address uncertainty needs in quantifying these analytes in environmental and human health, which has been specifically identified by regulatory and industrial stakeholders as a priority for risk assessment and product development. If the specifications for the microscope are not met with sufficient resolution, sensitivity, and high throughput, the size-dependent spectral features of different commercial and industrial classes of small plastic particles would be intractable. Without the instrument purchase, ongoing work and previous investments to identify degradation products with industrial stakeholders would also be significantly hindered. Extensive market research has concluded that the Photothermal OPTIR system is the only non-contact, commercial system that uses visible light to probe the nanoplastic samples while using a dual IR wavelength range quantum cascade laser source with high brightness to excite the sample. Their system is different than other commercial IR microscopes that use infrared radiation and are limited by the diffraction of the wavelength (> 2000 nm resolution). This IR microscope can be upgraded to additionally collect hyperspectral information (Raman and fluorescence). � Other vendors identified during market research could not meet the spatial resolution requirements, laser source requirements, nor the combined capabilities for both IR and Raman spectroscopy, necessary for the research required for the program. Given these facts, Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp. is the only source reasonably available to provide the required equipment. The resulting purchase order will be a Firm Fixed Price purchase order. The NAICS Code is 334516- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a size standard of 1000 employees. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 1:00 pm EST March 31, 2023 will be considered by the Government. Responses must be submitted via email to the Government point of contacts listed below: 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 the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/17f16ce38f4d4dd9a1993e72eb65898b/view)
- Record
- SN06620559-F 20230318/230316230108 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's SAM Daily Index Page |