National Institute of Standards & Technology, Acquisition & Assistance Div., Bldg. 301, Rm B117, Gaithersburg, MD 20899

R -- PREPARATION OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES FOR USE WITH OPTICAL TWEEZERS SOL 53SBNB760270 DUE 081397 POC Julie Liu (301) 975-6727 WEB: NIST Contracts Homepage, http://www.nist.gov/admin/od/contract/contract.htm. E-MAIL: NIST Contracts Office, Contract@nist.gov. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate with Rani Kishore of North Potomac, Maryland on a sole-source basis to provide services in the preparation of biological samples for optical manipulation and measurement of forces between molecules using optical tweezers. Tasks shall include the following: (1) fabricate samples of micro spheres coated with various biomolecules, and quantify the interaction between the biomolecules using the NIST optical tweezers based tensiometer; (2) prepare samples of biological material for manipulation using optical tweezers, and quantify the effectiveness of manipulation using the NIST optical tweezers apparatus. The period of performance is anticipated to be for a base year and two option years. The Government intends to solicit one source under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), "Only One Responsible Source." This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received within 15 days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract 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. Written responses shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement. A solicitation is not available. (0210)

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