National Institute of Standards & Technology, Acquisition & Assistance Div.,100 Bureau Drive Stop 3572, Bldg. 301, Rm B117, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-3572

R -- MODIFY INSTRUMENTATION AND OBTAIN DATA PERTAINING TO DEVELOPMENT OF ATOM-BASED STANDARDS SOL 53SBNB967107 DUE 092399 POC Julie Liu, Contract Specialist (301) 975-6492, Fax (301) 963-7732 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 on a sole-source basis with the University of Maryland, 2103 Lee Building, College Park, MD 20742, for services to modify instrumentation and obtain data pertaining to the development of atom-based standards. Specific tasks to be performed are as follows: (a) modify UHV-STM system and data acquisition software to allow for improved measurements of silicon samples; (b) diagnose any contamination problems encountered in the fabrication of Si(111) step heights and demonstrate workable solutions; (c) fabricate Si or GaAs counted-atom linewidth specimens having long-range atomic order on the surfaces, and measure these with the UHV-STM; and (d) deliver final report on analysis of data on silicon samples and collaborate with NIST personnel to develop an artifact transport system for transport of fragile specimens in ultra high vacuum. ***This acquisition is to be accomplished under the authority of FAR 13.106(a)(5), which permits sole-source acquisition when only one source is reasonably available. Modifying the instrumentation and obtaining the data for this contract requires a very broad knowledge of chemistry, surface science, physics, vacuum science, and scanned probe microscopy. The proposed key personnel for this project, Dr. Ellen Williams, possesses this interdisciplinary knowledge and has substantial experience in instrumentation, ultra high vacuum techniques, and software development. In addition, she has participated in the development of the instrumentation to measure silicon steps with the calibrated atomic force microscope and has collaborated previously with NIST personnel on the agency's ultra high vacuum system. Award to another source would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition, and may result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Agency's requirement.*** The Government anticipates award of a firm-fixed-price purchase order. Anticipatedperiod of performance is from date of award through 15 months thereafter. This notice is not a request for proposals. However, all proposals received within 15 days of the publication date of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete the 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, and must include documented evidence of expertise in ALL areas pertinent to the proposed project. 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. A solicitation document is not available. See Numbered Note 26. Posted 09/09/99 (W-SN378419). (0252)

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