Attachment 0004 - LPTA Evaluation Criteria.docx

FOUO: COMPETITION SENSITIVE

Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) Evaluation Criteria For Drop Shape Analyzer

1.0 Basis for Award

The Government plans to award a firm fixed price purchase order as a result of this Request for Quote (RFQ). The Government’s selection for an awardee will be made on the basis of the lowest priced quote meeting or exceeding the acceptability standards for the non-cost factors in accordance with FAR 15.101-2, Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection process. The purchase order will be awarded to the offeror who is deemed responsible by the Contracting Officer, in accordance with the General Standards for contractor responsibility at FAR 9.104-1, and whose proposal conforms to all of the solicitation’s requirements (including stated terms, conditions, representations, certifications, and all other information) and is assessed, based on the evaluation factors below, to represent the lowest price technically acceptable.

2.0 Evaluation Factors & Evaluation Approach

All proposals will be evaluated in a fair and consistent manner. All proposals will be subject to evaluation by a team of Government personnel. The offeror whose proposal is determined to provide the lowest priced proposal that meets the acceptability standards for non-cost factors will be awarded the purchase order.

The Government may reject any proposal that is evaluated to be unrealistic in terms of program commitments, including contract terms and conditions, or unrealistically high or low priced when compared to Government estimates, such that the proposal is deemed to reflect an inherent lack of competence or failure to comprehend the complexity and risks of the program.

The Government reserves the right to award based on initial proposals. The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award the purchase order without discussions with the offerors (except clarifications as described in FAR 15.306). However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions and request proposal revisions if it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government.

Factor 1 – Technical

The proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria established in this solicitation as follows.

In order to achieve an Acceptable rating in the Technical factor, the offeror’s proposal must clearly meet the following minimum requirements:

a. Technical Approach: The offeror’s proposal shall demonstrate a thorough understanding of the requirements as defined in the Statement of Work to include:

· A sensor that is 11mm x 7mm by 1/1.2 inch Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

· IR-CUT filter for elimination of optical disturbances

· 150 frames per second (fps) (1200 x 1200 pixels), 500 fps (1200 x 350 pixels), 800 fps (1200 x 200 pixels), 2000 fps (1200 x 350 pixels)

· USB 3.0 Camera

· Optical System with manual zoom (7x) and focus

· Field of View 3.9mm x 3.9mm (Xmin x Ymin) to 24.7mm x 24.7 mm (Xmax x Ymax).

· Prism for standard sample sizes up to 300mm diameter for contact angle and pendant drop measurements

· high-powered monochromatic LED with a dominant wavelength of 470nm

· Single Direct Dosing System, software-controlled, without tubings, specially designed for hazardous, and/or difficult to clean test liquids.

· Z-axis standard, precision z-drivel, with 45 mm movement, to 5 kg

· Axis for manual positioning in x- or y-direction, max travel distance 100 mm

· Standard Sample Stage, 105 x 105 mm (WxD)

· High Power LED Illumination, monochromatic, 46 x 46mm, with two power levels and integrated light-blind for small contact angles

· Standard Frame

· 320 x 275 mm

· Outer Dimension: 555 x 375 x 490 mm

· Power Supply: 88-264 V, 100W, 50-60Hz

· Adapter for connecting the instrument with RS232 interface to the USB port of PC

· Tilting Base

· Software-controlled positioning drive with 90 degree movement for measurement of advancing and receding contact angles as well as evaluation of roll off angle by tilting table method. Max tilting angle depending on length and mounting.

· Electronic Modules for software controlled axes. Up to 4 axis

· Temperature controlled Chamber

· Controlled by liquid thermostat, min/max allowed flow temperatures: 5 degree C/ 90 degree C. with inert gas inlet, made of high quality plastics for improved insulation.

· 1 temperature chamber

· 1 internal sample stage

· 1 temperature probe

· Needle Kit for Pendant Drop Method

· Stainless Steel

· Luer Lock Connector

· Assorted Lengths

· Digital Recirculating Bath

· Modules

· Demonstrate the ability to follow a scientific workflow: prepare parameters, perform measurements, review results, analyze data.

· Demonstrate an Intuitive Interface that guides the user though the steps necessary to complete the task.

· Demonstrate the ability to provide live view capability that is continually recording actions for the drop shape analyzer so that the user can review video even if the user input was not given. Previous recorded live video shall have the capability to obtain measurements, if needed.

· Demonstrate the ability to take multiple measurements of the same droplet and automatically take the mean contact angle and standard deviation.

· Demonstrate the ability to perform a re-analyze data function of previous data without having to take new measurements.

· Shall demonstrate the usability with a touch screen for easy touch operations.

· Shall come pre-installed with a database filled with all physical data for the common substances, based on the International Science Literature. This database shall have the ability to be edited, modified, and add new substances, as they become known.

· Shall have and demonstrate the ability to control the hardware of the drop shape analyzer.

· Demonstrate the ability to setup automated programs that work in conjunction with hardware to perform reproducible and repeatable analyses. Aspects of the automated programs shall include wait times, actions, modes, and intervals, etc.

· Demonstrate the ability to create templates for new measurements with all parameters and automation functions.

· Demonstrate the ability to integrate with and perform imaging and analysis tasks with a dedicated drop shape analyzer for inkjet cartridges. These tasks shall include speed of the drop, drop volume, trajectory (deviation from the perpendicular), ligament length and number of satellite drops.

· Contact Angle Module

· To determine static and dynamic contact angles using sessile drop and captive bubble methods.

· Support Conic Section, Polynom, Circle, Young-Laplace, Height Width.

· Measurement range of 0-180 degrees.

· Resolution of 0.1 degrees.

· Surface and Interfacial Tension Module

· To determine the surface and interfacial tension of liquids by analysis of pendant drop and rising drop.

· Support Young-Laplace models.

· Measurement range of 0.01 – 2000 mN/m.

· Resolution of 0.01 mN/m.

· Surface Free Energy Module

· To determine surface free energy of solids from contact angle data. The surface free energy splits into its polar and dispersive components, its acid and base components as well as its hydrogen bonding components, according to different models. The module shall also calculate wetting envelope.

· Support equation of states, Zisman, Fowkes, Wu, Ownes-Wendt-Radel-Kaelblem Schultz-1, Shultz-2, extended Fowkes, acid-base theory.

ii. The Contractor shall deliver materials within the delivery schedule specified in the Statement of Work.

iii. The Contractor shall provide installation and training specified in the Statement of Work.

iv. The Contractor shall provide a twelve (12) month manufacturer’s warranty.

v. The Contractor shall submit a capability statement along with their quote.

Proposals will be evaluated to determine an offeror’s Understanding of the Requirements and Feasibility of Approach.

(1) Understanding the Requirements - The proposal will be evaluated to determine the extent to which it demonstrates a clear and complete understanding of all requirements involved including offeror’s existing capabilities, knowledge and expertise in providing the requested items and meeting the requirements presented by the SOW.

(2) Feasibility of Approach - The proposal will be evaluated to determine whether the offeror's methods and approach to meeting the SOW requirements provide the Government with a high level of confidence of successful completion within the required schedule.

Factor 2 - Price

1. The Total Evaluated Price will be determined by summing the price proposed on each Line Item. This Total Evaluated Price will then be evaluated for reasonableness in accordance with price analysis techniques at FAR 15.404-1(b). Price will not be scored.

2. An offeror must propose on all Line Items to be considered for award. Unit pricing shall be listed with extended costs for each item.

3. Adequate competition is anticipated for this purchase order. However, in the event that only one offer is received, the Government reserves the right to perform a cost analysis IAW FAR 15.404-1(c). Therefore, in instances when only one offer is received and the quote is $2,000,000 or more, the Contracting Officer shall obtain Certified Cost or Pricing Data. Offers under $2,000,000.00 require cost or pricing data, but such cost or pricing data is not required to be certified by the offeror. Cost or Pricing Data or Other than certified cost or pricing data shall be provided upon request IAW FAR 15.403. This information will be evaluated for magnitude and reasonableness and may be adjusted from a technical and cost perspective using cost analysis to determine the most probable cost to the Government. Offerors shall utilize a Microsoft Excel file format with formulas intact when submitting their Price/Cost quote (FAR 15.403-5(b)(1)).

4. Price/Cost Inconsistencies: A proposal is presumed to represent an offeror’s best effort to respond to the solicitation. Each initial proposal should contain the offeror’s best terms for award for this purchase order. Any inconsistencies in performance or price should be explained in the proposal. Any significant inconsistencies, if unexplained, raise a fundamental issue of the offeror’s understanding of the nature and scope of work required and its financial ability to perform the contract, and may be grounds for rejection of the proposal.