Request to Restrict Competition for FAR Part 12 Acquisition - Naval Surface Warfare Center

This is a memorandum from the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWCC), Carderock Division, requesting approval to restrict competition for a sole source procurement under FAR Part 12 procedures. The requirement is for one Discovery DMA 850 dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), including the DMA unit, Standard Furnace, Gas Cooling Accessory (GCA), clamps, software, accessories, and on-site NSWCC installation, calibration, and training services. The equipment will support the Non-Metallic Materials Research and Engineering Branch (Code 6170) in conducting dynamic mechanical analysis tests for qualification of material samples used in existing and future Navy vessel hull treatments. The estimated contract value and specific response/award dates are redacted from the document.

The contracting officer approved restriction to sole source based on multiple supporting justifications: TA Instruments–Waters LLC holds proprietary patents (7.607.098; 9.933.249) for the Discovery DMA 850, maintains proprietary TRIOS operating software, and possesses an ISO 9001:2015 certification for thermal analysis instrument design, production, installation, and servicing. TA Instruments is the exclusive domestic distributor, with no authorized third-party resellers in the United States. The equipment is compatible with existing Code 6170 infrastructure currently equipped with TA Instruments thermal analysis instruments, and the DMA 850 cross-compatible accessories can be used with the existing DMA Q800 model. The OEM is located at 159 Lukens Dr., New Castle, DE 19720, with market research conducted by the OEM point of contact.