JA for redaction_Redacted.pdf

This document is a Justification Review Document for a Sole Source or Brand Name Justification for a simplified acquisition of an Instron SR20 Capillary Rheometer for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) located in Vicksburg, MS. The rheometer is required to support material characterization research, with specific technical requirements including a piston-die configuration compliant with ISO 11443 and ASTM D3835, pressure transducer capabilities up to 200 MPa, temperature range of room temperature to 450°C, and the ability to conduct various polymer testing analyses.

The procurement is being pursued as a sole source acquisition from a specific manufacturer, with market research indicating this is the only commercial product meeting the government's precise requirements. The rheometer's unique features include a twin bore barrel configuration enabling simultaneous rheological measurements, crosshead speed up to 1200 mm/min, force capability of 20 kN, and a PVT system for pressure-volume-temperature analysis. Installation and in-person training are included in the purchase. The contracting officer, David Ammermann, has certified the procurement's fairness and reasonableness, with an independent government estimate to be used for cost determination.