SB1341-08-RQ-0590_Paper Sensor_Final.doc

SUBJECT: ON-LINE GAUGING SYSTEM TO MEASURE BASIS WEIGHT, MOISTURE CONTENT, AND COLOR/BRIGHTNESS ON THE NIST PILOT PAPER MACHINE

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SB1341-08-RQ-0590

RESPONSE DATE: September 8, 2008

CONTACT POINTS:

PATRICK STAINES, Contracting Officer, (301) 975-6335; TODD HILL, Contracting Officer, (301) 975-8802

DESCRIPTION: THIS IS A COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL

ITEMS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORMAT IN FAR SUBPART 12.6-STREAMLINED PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATION AND SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS-AS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS NOTICE. THIS SOLICITATION IS BEING ISSUED USING SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF FAR SUBPART 13.5 TEST PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL ITEMS-AS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS NOTICE. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION; QUOTATIONS ARE BEING REQUESTED, AND A WRITTEN SOLICITATION DOCUMENT WILL NOT BE ISSUED. This solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-26.

*** The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 333291 with a small business size standard of 500 employees. However, this requirement is unrestricted and all responsible offerors may submit a quotation.

***The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a requirement for an On-line Gauging System to Measure Basis Weight, Moisture Content, and Color/Brightness on the NIST Pilot Paper Machine to be used in the NIST Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL), in Gaithersburg, MD.

Background

A project at the NIST MSEL involves the operation of a pilot scale (25" wide web) Rotoformer/Cylinder (R/C) paper fabrication facility, manufactured by the Sandy Hill Corporation. The R/C pilot paper machine is approximately 30 years old. A report produced under NIST contract SB1341-07-SE-1096 outlined several recommended repairs and modifications to this pilot paper machine, including the installation of an on-line gauging system to monitor important paper parameters. This report specifically mentioned that the most important paper parameter measurements needed to ensure consistent quality from the pilot paper machine are basis weight and moisture content. A third on-line sensor to measure paper color and brightness, although not as important as basis weight and moisture content, was also recommended.

NIST has decided to add an on-line gauging system with sensors to monitor the basis weight, moisture content, and paper color and brightness. This procurement will address the identification of the specific number, type, and locations for the sensors on the pilot paper machine, determining what modifications are required to the NIST paper machine to provide the necessary mounting structures for the sensor, providing installation and startup support, and providing training on the operation of the gauging system to the NIST paper machine operators.

A SITE VISIT shall take place on Monday, August 25, 2008 promptly at 1:00PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Attendees shall convene at NIST, in the Sound Conference Room, Building 233 at 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The site visit shall allow Offerors to view the NIST facility and the R/C pilot paper machine to be upgraded. Potential Offerors are strongly encouraged to attend site visit. In no event shall failure to inspect the NIST facility constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

If required, an amendment including questions and answers from the site visit shall be posted at www.fedbizopps.gov. All questions must be submitted in writing to Todd Hill at todd.hill@nist.gov no later than Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 3:30PM EST.

Offerors are advised that the terms and conditions of the RFQ remain the same unless changed by amendment.

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:

Because of heightened security, Offerors who are planning to attend the site visit shall e-mail their intention to attend to Todd Hill, at todd.hill@nist.gov, not later than Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 3:00PM EST, with the following information:

1) Company name

2) Names of all individuals attending the site visit

3) Country of Citizenship of all individuals attending the site visit*

*For non-US Citizens, the following additional information will be required:

1) Title

2) Employer/Sponsor

3) Address

Failure to register will result in individuals being denied access to NIST, and subsequently, the site visit.

It is the sole responsibility of each Offeror to register for the site visit.

Offerors must pick up a Visitor's Badge at the Visitor's Registration Center located at the Main Gate (Gate A, off Bureau Drive)

Please ensure all individuals bring photo identification or they will be denied access to the facility.

***All interested Offerors shall provide a quote for the following line item(s):

Line Item 0001: Quantity One (1) Lot, On-line Gauging System to Measure Basis Weight, Moisture Content, and Color/Brightness on the NIST Pilot Paper Machine

***Quotations shall meet or exceed the following minimum required technical specifications:

NIST requires an on-line gauging system to measure basis weight, moisture content, and paper color/brightness on the NIST pilot paper machine. The company supplying this gauging system shall address the performance specifications of each sensor and provide installation and startup support and training on the operation of the sensors. In addition, the company supplying these sensors will determine what modifications to the NIST paper machine are required to provide the necessary mounting structures for the sensors. Since this gauging system is for a 25” wide pilot paper machine, which is only operated for several hours at a time, NIST believes a fixed-point sensor system is adequate for this application. Further, the gauging system will need to have “readout” only capabilities, since no feedback control functions are planned for the pilot paper machine.

SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS

Basis Weight sensor shall have the following specifications:

· spot measurement (single point) located near the middle of 24" (600 mm) paper web

· basis weight sensor shall use beta radiation from a radioisotope appropriate for the basis weight range

· operating measurement range of 65 to 163 g/m² (40 to 100 lbs/3000 ft²)

· measurement accuracy of ±0.1%

· maximum measurement capability of 195 g/m² (120 lbs/3000 ft²)

· must be suitable for measurement of bond and copy paper grades

· sensor must be suitable for line speeds up to 250 mm/s (50 ft/min)

Moisture Content sensor shall have the following specifications:

· spot measurement (single point) located near the middle of 24" (600 mm) paper web

· sensor shall use absorption technology that is an appropriate source for the application described herein

· operating measurement range of 4 to 9 %

· measurement accuracy of ±0.1%

· sensor must be suitable for measurement of bond and copy paper grades

· sensor must be suitable for line speeds up to 250 mm/s (50 ft/min)

***Option Line Item – The quotation shall include an option line item as follows (exercise of option line item will be at the sole discretion of the Government, pricing for this item shall remain valid for at least one-year from the date of award):

Option Line Item 0002 – Paper Color and Brightness sensor which shall meet or exceed the following minimum required technical specifications

· spot measurement (single point) located near the middle of 24" (600 mm) paper web

· sensor to be suitable for white and colored bond and copy paper grades

· measurement to be in either CIELAB or Hunter Lab color value and brightness

· color and brightness measurement using reflected 360 to 720 nm spectrum under UV included and/or UV excluded light

· sensor must be suitable for measurement of bond and copy paper grades

· sensor must be suitable for line speeds up to 250 mm/s (50 ft/min)

GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Government will provide access to the NIST Pilot Paper Machine facility and any necessary machine drawings. A suitable signal (0 to 10 VDC or a pulse train) will be provided that corresponds to the line speed of the paper web to be used for calculating basis weight values.

Installation and training

The successful Offeror shall be responsible for the installation and startup support of the sensor system at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg MD and its integration with the NIST pilot paper machine.

The successful Offeror shall test the integrated system and demonstrate its ability to meet the specifications set forth herein.

The successful Offeror shall provide a minimum of 4 hours of training at NIST for up to 4 technicians.

The system shall be installed and tested within 26 weeks after the award of Purchase Order.

- The successful Offeror shall provide free technical support as needed for a minimum of one (1) year after startup.

*** The Contractor shall state the warranty period and coverage provided. ***

*** Inspection and Acceptance Criteria

1. Visual-Physical check at NIST laboratory for adherence to design specifications.

2. Performance check at NIST laboratory for adherence to performance specifications. The tests will be performed as soon as the instrument is ready, as determined by the contractor, and may be witnessed by the contractor. ***

**** Award will be made on a best-value basis. The Government will evaluate the quotations based on the following evaluation criteria: 1) Technical Capability factor "Meeting or Exceeding the Requirement," 2) Past Performance, 3) Past Experience, and Price. Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Past Experience, when combined, are more important than Price.

****Evaluation of Technical Capability shall be based on the information provided in the quotation. Quotations shall include the make and model of the products, manufacturer sales literature or other product literature, which CLEARLY DOCUMENTS that the offered product(s) meet or exceed the specifications stated above.

****Past Performance will be evaluated to determine the overall quality of the product and service, provided by the Contractor. Evaluation of Past Performance shall be based on the references provided IAW FAR 52.212-1(b)(10) and/ or information provided by NIST or its’ affiliates. Quoters shall provide a list of at least three (3) references to whom the same or similar products have been sold. The list of references shall include, at a minimum: The name of the reference contact person and the company or organization; the telephone number of the reference contact person; the contract or grant number; the amount of the contract and the address and the telephone number of the Contracting Officer if applicable; and the date of delivery or the date services were completed.

***Past Experience shall be evaluated to determine the extent of the Contractor's experience of at least five (5) years in and knowledge in providing similar instrumentation. System shall have previously demonstrated long term ruggedness, durability and consistency. Evaluation of past experience may be based on contacts used for past performance; however, the vendor should provide additional references relating to its past experience information, if necessary. To allow assessment, each quote must include appropriate documentation.

***Delivery shall be FOB DESTINATION and be completed in accordance with the Contractor’s commercial schedule. ***

***The contractor shall pack and mark the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements, deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the purchase order, be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the purchase order; and pay all charges to the specified point of delivery. The contractor shall deliver all line items to NIST, Building 301, Shipping and Receiving, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001. ***

The full text of a FAR provision or clause may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html.

The following provisions apply to this acquisition:

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items;

52.212-3 Offerors Representations and Certifications- Commercial Items.

52.217-5 -- Evaluation of Options Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications on-line at http://orca.bpn.gov in accordance with FAR 52.212-3 Offerors Representations and Certifications- Commercial Items. If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

The following clauses apply to this acquisition:

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items;

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders— Commercial Items including subparagraphs:

(1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government, with Alternate I

(3) 52.219-4 Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUB-Zone Small Business concerns

(7) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns;

(16) 52.222-3, Convict Labor

(17) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (18) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities

(19) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity

(20) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans

(21) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities

(22) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans

(23) 52.222-39, Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees

(24) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons

(29) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements

(31) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases

(36) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration.

52.217-7 Option for Increased Quantity -- Separately Priced Line Item (Mar 1989) The Government may require the delivery of the numbered line item, identified in the Schedule as an option item, in the quantity and at the price stated in the Schedule. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option(s) by written notice to the Contractor within 1 year of the date of award. Delivery of added items shall continue at the same rate that like items are called for under the contract, unless the parties otherwise agree.

Non-Governmental Evaluators: The Government intends to utilize a non-Governmental evaluator for evaluation of quotations submitted in response to this solicitation. The individual(s) will have access to the quotation information and will be assisting the Government by evaluating the quotations and providing a recommendation as to the merits of the quotations as they relate to the solicitation. The non-Governmental evaluator(s) will not be involved in the final decision as to the awardee under this procurement. Non-disclosure agreement(s) have been executed by the evaluator(s) and the quotation information will be handled and protected as if only Government personnel were involved.

Department of Commerce Agency-Level Protest Procedures Level above the Contracting Officer is also incorporated. It can be downloaded at www.nist.gov/admin/od/contract/agency.htm.

***All vendors shall submit the following: 1) An original and one (1) copy of a quotation which addresses all Line Items; 2) Two (2) Originals of the Technical description and/or product literature; 3) Description of commercial warranty; and 4) One (1) copy of the most recent published price list.

This is an Open-Market Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for equipment as defined herein. The Government intends to award a Purchase Order as a result of this Combined Synopsis/Solicitation that will include the terms and conditions that are set forth herein. In order to facilitate the award process, ALL quotes shall include a statement regarding the terms and conditions herein as follows:

The Offeror shall state “The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition.”

OR

The Offeror shall state “The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:

Offeror shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s)

Please note that this procurement is not being conducted under the GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) program or another Government-Wide Area Contract (GWAC). If an Offeror submits a quotation based upon an FSS or GWAC contract, the Government will accept the quoted price. However, the terms and conditions stated herein will be included in any resultant Purchase Order, not the terms and conditions of the Offeror’s FSS or GWAC contract, and the statement required above shall be included in the quotation.

***Faxed quotes will NOT be accepted. Emailed quotes will be accepted. ***

Rev. 05/98