NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE Zeiss Versa XRM 730 X-ray Computed Tomography Microscope Announcement Type : Special Notice Announcement Number: NIST-NOI-26-305-00006 Subject: X-ray Computed Tomography Microscope NAICS: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PSC: 6650 - Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components, and Accessories Introduction This is a notice of intent, not a request for a quotation. A solicitation document will not be issued and quotations will not be requested. Purpose The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate a firm-fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis with Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC (Zeiss) located at One North Broadway, White Plains, NY 10601-2310. The purchase order will be for a Versa XRM 730 X-ray Computed Tomography Microscope with options for additional features and extended warranties. This product has a USA place of origin in accordance with FAR RFO Part 25. Delivery of the microscope will be required within eight months after contractor receipt of order. The exercise of the options for extended warranty may extend the award period of performance up to five years. Authority This acquisition is being conducted under the authority of FAR RFO Part 12.102(b) and 41 USC 1901, allowing the Contracting Officer (CO) to solicit from one source. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a small business size standard of 1,000 Employees. Description The purpose of this requirement is to procure one Zeiss Versa 730 X-ray Computed Tomography Microscope for micro-scale three-dimensional imaging of semiconductor materials and devices. Please see the attached specifications document for details. Sole Source Determination The sole source determination is based on the following: Use of the statutory authority 41 USC 3304(a)(1) requires that the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source. Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is uniquely qualified to provide the required microscope system due to requirements for continuity of research and compatibility of equipment and existing data. This acquisition will replace a no-longer-serviceable Zeiss Versa XRM 500 microscope owned and operated by NIST that has been in use over the past decade for several on-going NIST, Other Agency, and CHIPS Act research projects. This instrument, manufactured by Zeiss, operates using proprietary software called “Scout and Scan” which includes a proprietary method for collecting and reconstructing data. NIST requires that all data collected on a new instrument be compatible with data collected and analyzed by the “Scout and Scan” software on the Versa XRM 500 so that research projects may continue with scientific accuracy and integrity. Carl Zeiss is the only contractor which can guarantee data interoperability between the required new Zeiss Ver…