NIH, OPM, Div. of Small Purchasing, EPS, Room 819 Rockville, MD 20892-7260

70 -- SYSTEM UPGRADE SOL 263-96-Q-0064 POC Ms. Shirl Brinson, Purchasing Agent, 301-402-3342. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, under Statutory Authority: 41 USC 253 (c)(1) (FAR 6.302-1) - (''Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements''). This is a Notice of Intent announcing that the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Deafness and Other Communciation Disorders intends to place an orer with Digital Instruments, Inc., 520 East Montecito, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, for System Upgrade to convert an existing Nanoscope II to Nanscope III. 1. The system upgrade shall provide all hardware and software necessary to convert an existing Nanoscope II scanning probe microscope (SPM) system to a Nanoscope III, with the identical capability to execute the same major atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging functions as the Nanoscope III. 2. Shall consist of replacing/upgrading the existing system's controller unit, personal computer (PC), and software providing the ability to zoom from 125um sizes to atomic resolution level sizes utilizing a single scanner. 3. The existing controller unit shall be upgraded to the level of a Nanoscope IIIA SPM controller or better. 4. The existing personal computer shall be upgraded to the level of an Intel 80486 or equivalent based PC platform or better with the following minimum characteristics: a. 16Mbytes of RAM b. 540Mbyte hard drive c. 3.5 inch floppy disc drive d. 5.25 inch floppy disk drive e. 17 inch color image display monitor f. ALL necessary software, loaded and verified for operator use 5. Shall provide for major AFM imaging capabilities including at a minimum: a. Contact and non-contact AFM b. Magnetic force c. Electrical force d. Force modulation e. Tapping Mode f. Lift Mode g. Lateral force. It is the Government's belief that these requirements can only be met by Digital Instruments, Inc. This is not a formal solicitation, however, concerns that respond to this notice shall furnish concise responses directed specifically to the requirements mentioned above. Sources demonstrating the capability to accomplish the above shall supply pertinent information in sufficient detail to demonstrate their ability to perform. Information furnished should include enough mterial to conduct a proper evaluation. Concerns submitting material may at that time request a copy of the soliciation when it becomes available. Respondents will not be notified of evaluation results. ''All responsible sources may submit a quotation, which if timely received, shall be considered by the Agency.'' Responses must be received by 12/04/95. (0311)

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