A03-MR-SAM-RFI.docx

Request for Information/Sources Sought

Agency/Office: U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center (PSHTC) Location: PSHTC (Pittsburgh, PA) PSC: 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies NAICS: 334516-Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

1. GENERAL INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Enforcement (“MSHA”) is responsible for enforcing health standards promulgated under the authority of Section 103 (a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. A national network of MSHA inspectors collects health samples at approximately 10,000 metal/nonmetal mines located in the United States and its territories to monitor miners’ exposures to hazardous contaminants as silica. Silica samples are analyzed by a validated X-ray diffraction analytical method at the Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center (PSHTC) Laboratory, which is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association for silica analysis, and citations are issued to mine operators if exposure limits are exceeded.

1. OBJECTIVE: This Request for Information (RFI) is being issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center (PSHTC) to procure X-RAY Diffraction System with Installation, Training and Warranty.

1. SCOPE: To scope of this procurement action shall cover all actions pertinent to the acquisition of one turnkey automated X-ray powder diffraction system as described below:

A quantity of one (1) turnkey x-ray diffraction system with minimum specifications (Floor models and benchtop instruments will be evaluated.):

· Minimum 2.2 kW generator (floor model) for use with long fine focus x-ray tubes with a ~6º takeoff angle. The generator HV settings will range from at least ≤ 20 to 50 kV and be selectable in 1 kV increments. The current settings will range from at least ≤ 5 to 50 ma and be selectable in 1 ma increments. The generator high voltage output will vary no more than .03% per 10% variation in mains voltage.

· Vertical Bragg-Brentano theta-theta configuration goniometer, with a radius of between 185mm and 230mm and an angular range spanning 0-120 degrees two theta at minimum, with a horizontal sample stage. The stages will be independently controlled and be capable of operation in the coupled mode. Precision optical encoders will be incorporated into the goniometer control systems.

· The smallest selectable step width for the goniometer will be at least 0.0002º 2θ with a reproducibility of the angle setting (for the theta stages) no more than ± 0.005º and absolute accuracy in the coupled mode better than or equal to ± 0.01º 2θ.

· Sample spinner will be included. The rotation rate will be user selectable and will be variable from at least 1-60 rpm.

· A rotating sample stage will be included. The rotation rate will be user selectable and will be variable from at least 0-60 rpm.

· Interchangeable fixed divergence slits and beam masks or theta compensating variable divergence slit or equivalent programmable slit.

· The instrument will be housed in a radiation enclosure that meets all Federal and state regulations for radiation protection. The radiation enclosure will be constructed of steel with integrated lead panel direct beam stop and will have a lighted interior with viewing windows or shall be equipped with a webcam for observation of the sample stage.

· A theta compensating variable divergence slit or equivalent programmable slit to ensure that the length of the sample exposed to the radiation remains constant throughout the scan range.

· Optics will include divergent and diffracted beam Soller slits optimized for sample widths of 13mm.

· An automated sample changer with a minimum capacity of 60 samples.

· 100 zero offset sample holders designed for samples deposited on 25mm diameter silver membrane filters.

· An electric power conditioning system suitable for the electrical service requirements of the instrument.

· A closed-circuit water recirculating system for cooling the anode. The water recirculator must be an air/water heat exchange design.

· Software packages providing automated instrument control and data acquisition functions, phase identification, and quantitative analysis with sophisticated user defined, and controlled, multi-function quantitative profile fitting capabilities.

· Software packages must be compatible with the Windows 11 operating platform.

· The detector configuration shall consist of a beta filter and a high-speed compound silicon strip detector (minimum of 100 channels) capable of simultaneous data acquisition across a minimum range of 2.0o two theta with a resolution of .002o two-theta or less, and any associated slits. A monochromator for use with the high-speed detector will be listed as an option.

· Delivery and installation of the X-ray diffractometer system.

· Onsite training of laboratory personnel on the use of the X-ray diffractometer and applicable software packages.

1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Products are to be delivered within 120 days after contract award.

1. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Items (as needed) to be shipped to:

Mine Safety and Health Enforcement Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center Attn: Dust Division Building 38 626 Cochrans Mill Road Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Note that this is not a request for quotes. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. This Request for Information (RFI) seeks industry comments to assist the Government in locating potential sources with the ability to satisfy its requirement. Vendors that believe they can provide the needed services that fully meet the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation to determine capability.

1. Response:

Respondents should provide the following information:

A. A one-page cover letter that includes your company’s:

0. CAGE code

0. DUNS Number

0. Business size for the NAICS listed above

0. Contract Point of Contact.

B. Firms will need to provide a response no longer than five (5) pages which addresses each of the Performance Requirements listed in the Draft Product Specifications provided with this announcement.

Each major task requires a written explanation to assess for capability.

Tasks include:

· The Contractor shall provide all on-site preparation requirements to the MSHA Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer Representative in advance providing 30-day timeframe for completion prior to system delivery. Requirements will include everything needed to ensure that upon delivery the system can be installed and operational within 3 days to begin testing instrument performance to ensure it meets the requirements outlined in the proposal.

· The Contractor shall provide delivery, installation, and testing of the system within the Period of Performance. Once the instrument is delivered, the Contractor is responsible for installation of the system, accessories, and software. Once installation is complete the installed, system must demonstrate operability.

· The Contractor shall provide training for new turnkey X-ray diffraction system. On-site training will be provided to MSHA personnel covering all aspects of the instrument operating software and quantitative profile fitting applications.

· After equipment delivery and setup, and prior to acceptance, the government shall have 60 days for acceptance of equipment and appurtenances. The Contractor shall be available within 24 hours to fix or modify any defective performance within the POP.

C. Firms shall also provide one page that outlines:

Past government experience (task order/contract) with tasks similar in scope of this draft requirement. Past example should include contract numbers, customer information, and identify point of contacts.

D. Documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining the availability and potential technical capability of all businesses in providing the requirement.

Submissions should be organized in accordance with the instructions in this document to permit a thorough and accurate review and evaluation. Responses to this RFI must be submitted to Blaine S. Jackson, Contract Specialist via email no later than August 26, 2024 at 4:00 PM, EDT @ jackson.blaine.s@dol.gov.