Redacted Sole Source_TA Instruments DTMA Systems Maint Plan.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

FOR SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITIONS

From:

To: Code 02, Simplified Acquisition Branch

Subj: SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

1. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRED SUPPLIES/SERVICES, ESTIMATED VALUE, AND DELIVERY

REQUIREMENTS

NSWCCD, Code 722 requires the renewal of a maintenance agreement for two (2) Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) Q800 instruments that covers labor, travel, and parts for up to two service visits per year for three (3) years.

Manufacturer:

TA Instruments (TA) - Waters L.L.C.

159 Lukens Drive, New Castle, DE 19720-2765

302-427-4033, Fax 302-427-4054.

The estimated cost for the required 3 year contract is $

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SOLE SOURCE BASED ON CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE

QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is a technique used to study and characterize materials such as the viscoelastic behavior of polymers. A sinusoidal stress is applied and the strain in the material is measured for various temperatures and frequencies, allowing the determination of the complex modulus. Code 722 has two TA Instruments (TA) model Q800 to determine the material characteristics of various materials for the Navy and its contractors. The original equipment had to be custom modified by TA to accommodate an air chiller versus the original liquid nitrogen chiller. The equipment also uses unique design features of the DMA such as the air suspension of the material suspension shaft and proprietary control software. The actual testing of a given material produces a data set unique to the material sample. The inventory of material sample data sets amounts to a huge library of information currently used as a standard for not only Navy materials, but other test facilities as well.

There are no authorized resellers due to proprietary rights. Therefore, in accordance with FAR 13.106- 1(b) the Contracting Officer has determined that the circumstances of the contract action deem only the maintenance and support offered by TA Instruments will meet the needs of the Government.

3. MARKET SURVEY

No market survey was performed as only TA Instruments can provide the required maintenance service for the two DMA instruments.

4. ADDITIONAL FACTS

Although other manufactures make DMA equipment, such as Instron, no other manufacturer has the experience and proprietary knowledge to maintain and/or perform repairs on the TA Instruments DMA equipment.

5. CUSTOMER SIGNATURE:

I certify that the statements and information provided above, are complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the processing of this sole source justification precludes the use of full and open competition.