NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE for Three (3) very small angle neutron scattering (vSANS) Sample Changers

Background
The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, with Quantum Northwest, Inc., for the purchase of three (3) vSANS multi zone temperature sample changers, inclusive of a 2-year warranty. NIST conducted market research from 2016 to March of 2023 to determine what sources could meet NIST’s minimum requirements. The results revealed that Quantum Northwest, Inc. is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the equipment that meets the required minimum specifications.

Work Details
The contract requires the purchase of three (3) vSANS multi zone temperature sample changers, inclusive of a 2-year warranty. The technical specifications include industry standard cable connectors, users’ manual detailing recommended operating procedures, safety precautions, cable connections and all electronic signals required to operate, complete specification of all electronic control signals needed to drive the device, documentation of performance test that demonstrate specifications, accurate and repeatable temperature sample holders with temperature control for two different size sample cells, and a single controller that controls either the sample changers.

Place of Performance
22910 E APPLEWAY AVE STE 4, LIBERTY LAKE, WA 99019-8606