Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Maintenance Services for TA Instruments (SN 4010-0159 and SN 4020-0245)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with TA INSTRUMENTS - WATERS L.L.C. for maintenance services for two critical pieces of equipment: a TA Instruments ARES G2 rheometer (SN 4010-0159) and a TA Instrument RSA G2 dynamic mechanical analyzer (SN 4020-0245). This service is essential for the CHIPS Metrology R&D Proposal. Responses from interested parties are due by May 11, 2026, 9:00 AM EST.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a one-year service agreement providing unlimited service visits, one preventative maintenance and calibration visit for each instrument, all required repair parts, on-site labor, and travel. These instruments are primary tools for the "Advanced Cure Kinetics, Stress, Mechanical Properties and Warpage for Next-Generation Microelectronics Packaging under Device Relevant Conditions" project, supporting NIST's goal to aid the semiconductor industry.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (leading to a Firm Fixed Price purchase order)
- Duration: One base year service agreement
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- NAICS Code: 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (Size Standard: $34 million)
- Response Due: May 11, 2026, 9:00 AM EST
- Published: May 1, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD, United States
Sole Source Justification
TA Instruments is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the equipment. They possess proprietary knowledge and components, are ISO 9001:2000 certified for their own products, and have trained engineers. They have certified that no third-party vendors can purchase service parts from them, and they are the only organization authorized to service their products. Market research confirmed TA Instruments as the only reasonably available source.
Additional Notes
This notice is not a request for competitive quotations. However, interested parties who believe they can fulfill these requirements are invited to submit responses for government consideration. A determination by the Government not to compete is solely at its discretion. Information received will be used to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible.
Contact: Sadaf Afkhami (Sadaf.Afkhami@nist.gov, 301-975-3976).