Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract The US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis (IAW RFO FAR 12.102(a)) with Environmental Express, Inc., 2345 Charleston Regional Pkwy. Ste. A. Charleston, SC 29492-8405 for the supply of an Electric Fusion Fluxer and accessories. 1. Requirement Background: The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory (EL), Environmental Processes Branch (EPB) requires an Electric Fusion Fluxer and accessories to support ongoing research related to the determination, characterization, and use of Rare Earth Elements (REE). The equipment will be used for preparing high-quality glass disks (fusion beads) for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and solutions for Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analyses. This requirement will advance ongoing research within the EPB Branch. 2. Product Description & Specifications : The requirement is for a new, compact, portable, single-position electric fusion fluxer that meets the following minimum specifications: Dimensions: Not to exceed 17" (H) x 17" (W) x 17" (D) Voltage: 115 VAC, single phase Maximum Power: 1500 watts Maximum Temperature: 1200°C Frequency: 50-60 Hz Weight: Not to exceed 50 lbs Accessories: Must include one crucible (95% Platinum, 5% Gold) and one mold (95% Platinum, 5% Gold). Warranty: The contract must include at least a one-year manufacturer's warranty covering parts, labor, and travel. Other: Price shall include all shipping charges (including any duties or tariffs). 3. Justification for Sole Source: Market research was conducted and determined that Environmental Express, Inc. is the only vendor capable of providing an "Electric Fusion Fluxer" that meets all of the government's minimum needs, particularly the dimensional and portability requirements. Market research indicates Environmental Express Inc. is the sole small business capable of meeting the requirements. 4. Acquisition Information: This acquisition is being conducted in accordance with RFO FAR 12.102(a). The intended procurement will be classified under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a Small Business Size Standard of 1,000 employees. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, and no solicitation document exists for this requirement. However, parties interested in responding to this notice shall submit technical data, including price, sufficient to demonstrate their capability in providing the same product. All capability statements received by the closing date of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete 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. 5. Submission Instruct…