Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer Units for Multi-Component Gas Analysis

NOI to SOLE SOURCE- 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:Hiden Analytical, Inc.75 Hancock Road Suite H,Peterborough, NH 03458The sole source justification is based on the following:The Chemical Sciences Division and the Materials Measurement Science Division at the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) are involved in a project seeking to deliver a testbed for industrial heterogeneous catalysis based on emerging X-ray characterization methods. When operating, this testbed will receive gas from a gas delivery system which is capable of producing small, short pulses of gases of known quantity that can be quickly, cleanly varied or evacuated. A mass spectrometer then provides real-time monitoring of the heterogeneous catalytic reactions taking place. Given the needs of the gas delivery system and testbed, it is important the mass spectrometer be

amenable to transient experiment modes requiring low response times and fast time resolutions. They should also provide high-throughput analysis of a wide range of gases, including corrosive gases, and able to distinguish between isotopes of otherwise interfering molecules via a soft ionization mode. The mass spectrometers will also be integrated into a gas delivery system according to a custom design created by collaborators to perform certain unique functions.Extensive market research was conducted between March through July of 2023 for potential sources that could meet NIST’s minimum requirements. The only system identified capable of meeting all of the technical specifications and integrating with the transient experiment design is the Hiden HPR-20 R&D mass spectrometer. It was the only instrument to simultaneously provide the fast response time, measurement speed, and flexible sampling and soft ionization modes referenced in the statement of requirement. This instrument would allow NIST to leverage a combined body of knowledge, as well as interchangeability and intercompatibility with the existing designs and controls infrastructure.Given these facts, Hiden Analytical, Inc. is the only source reasonably available to fulfill the requirement. 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 12:00 pm EST August 7, 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.