Solicitation.docx

COMBO SYNOPSIS SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

1. Class Code: 66

2. NAICS Code: 334513

3. Subject: One (1) Integrated Mechanical Testing Machine (MTM)

4. Solicitation Number: W911QX-15-T-0202.

5. Set-Aside Code: N/A

6. Response Date: 08/17/2015

7. Place of Delivery/Performance:

U.S. Army Research Laboratory

8. (i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) The solicitation number is W911QX-15-T-0202. This acquisition is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-83, 02 July 2015.

(iv) The associated NAICS code is 334513. The small business size standard is 500.

(v) The following is a list of contract line item number(s) and items, quantities and units of measure, (including option(s), if applicable):

CLIN 0001: One (1) Integrated Mechanical Test Machine, in accordance with the Salient Characteristics below:

(vi) Description of requirements:

The Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD) at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) requires one (1) integrated mechanical testing machine (MTM) that meets the following minimum requirements:

Testing Frame Characteristics:

1. The Contractor shall ensure the MTM is a floor-mounted, dual-column electromechanical system capable of applying up to 250,000 Newtons (N) of force.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the MTM consists of a moving crosshead that is driven by two (2) precision screws each with dual preloaded nuts providing zero backlash during reverse stress loading. The Contractor shall ensure the nominal lead accuracy is International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Class 5 (0.025 millimeter (mm)/300).

3. The Contractor shall ensure the MTM load frame includes at least two (2) smooth ground guidance rods for the moving crosshead to ride on.

4. The Contractor shall ensure the horizontal distance between the columns available for mechanical testing is a minimum of 20 inches (in).

5. The Contractor shall ensure the MTM horizontal crosshead moves vertically between the columns.

6. The Contractor shall ensure the vertical crosshead travel distance is a minimum of 1930 mm.

7. The Contractor shall ensure the maximum height of the load frame is 2775 mm, not including a standard mounting table.

8. The Contractor shall ensure the base of the MTM between the dual-columns is capable of holding all load cells and testing fixtures listed in this document (reference Load Cells).

9. The Contractor shall ensure the crosshead speed range is 0.0001 mm to 508 mm (0.000004 to 20 in) per minute (min) is settable continuously. The Contractor shall ensure the return speed is 600 mm/min (24 in/min).

10. The Contractor shall ensure the load frame includes a red ISO approved emergency stop switch. The Contractor shall ensure the system does not restart the crosshead when the emergency stop button is released.

11. The Contractor shall ensure the MTM includes an automatic frame standby mode which stops the frame automatically if any transducer, interface or personal computer (PC) is shut down.

12. The Contractor shall ensure the crosshead is digitally controlled through both a keypad attached to the MTM and through an external PC.

13. The Contractor shall ensure the testing frame is capable of outputting both a digital signal to a PC and an analogue voltage signal for both the crosshead vertical position as well as the load on the load cell.

14. The Contractor shall ensure the signal output connections are Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC) type, and the output voltage of the signal ranges from negative 10 volts (V) to positive 10 V direct current (DC).

15. The Contractor shall ensure the testing area between the columns is capable of accommodating a variety of commercially available strain gauges.

Software And Control Computer:

1. The Contractor shall ensure the control software is installed on a Contractor supplied PC.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the PC is supplied with all necessary parts, cables and connections for the operations described within.

3. The Contractor shall ensure the PC communicates with the MTM via 10/100 megabits per second (Mbit/sec) Ethernet interface.

4. The Contractor shall ensure the control software is capable of controlling all functions of the MTM.

5. The Contractor shall ensure the software reads the load values directly from the load cell.

6. The Contractor shall ensure the software displays a real-time plot of the sample stress and strain during testing.

7. The Contractor shall ensure the software is capable of controlling the temperature setpoint of the MTM oven.

8. The Contractor shall ensure the control software is programmed to perform template-driven American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) style tests in tension and compression for the following types of experiments:

a. ‘Dogbone’ tension- ASTM D638-10

b. Single fiber tension

c. Fiber ‘tow’ tension

d. Circular disc compression – ASTM D695-10

e. Fracture toughness (K1C and G1C) – ASTM D5045-99

f. Cyclic fatigue testing

9. The Contractor shall ensure the software is capable of accepting and saving user-defined test methods.

10. The Contractor shall ensure the customizable test methods can be linked to a specific load cell which when run, will require the designated load cell.

11. The Contractor shall ensure the user-defined test methods allow for the creation of test methods which prompt a user to perform the required tasks during the test.

12. The Contractor shall ensure the software is capable of measurement rates of at least 2,500 Hertz (Hz).

13. The Contractor shall ensure the software is able to accept sample strain values from the crosshead separation, strain gauges, and Integrated Digital Image Correlation (DIC).

14. The Contractor shall ensure the PC software runs a Windows, DOS, or Linux operating system.

15. The Contractor shall ensure the PC contains a minimum of 2 terabytes (TB) of hard disk space.

16. The Contractor shall ensure the software has the option to store data in time based increments directly to the PC hard drive to ensure no data is lost in the event of a power shut-down.

Oven:

The Contractor shall provide an oven for controlling the temperature of samples during mechanical testing.

1. The Contractor shall ensure the oven contains all required connections and cables for power and interfacing with the MTM and the PC.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the oven operates on 240 V alternating current (AC) (single phase), 30-35 Amps, 50-60 Hz.

3. The Contractor shall ensure the oven fits within the testing frame of the MTM.

4. The Contractor shall ensure the oven can accommodate all testing grips described in the ‘Grips’ section of this document.

5. The Contractor shall supply a rollable mount to move the oven into and away from the testing area.

6. The Contractor shall ensure the oven contains removable ports so the oven may be inserted or removed without removing grips or samples from the testing area.

7. The Contractor shall ensure the oven is capable of continuous operation over the temperature range of -80 degrees (o) Celsius (C)to 350 oC.

8. The Contractor shall ensure the oven is able to maintain sample temperatures within 2 degrees of the temperature setpoint.

9. The Contractor shall ensure the oven accepts liquid nitrogen as the method of cooling.

10. The Contractor shall ensure the oven door contains optical quality glass for use with the video extensometer described below.

11. The Contractor shall ensure the internal area of the oven has the following minimum dimensions:

a. 900 mm high

b. 400 mm wide

c. 400 mm deep

12. The Contractor shall ensure the oven temperature is controllable through both a handset and through the PC.

13. The Contractor shall provide all necessary extension rods to connect the load cells and grips for use within the oven.

14. The Contractor shall ensure all provided grips and connections are able to continuously operate over the temperature range of -80 oC to 350 oC.

Load Cells:

1. The Contractor shall ensure the MTM contains load cells with a measurement accuracy of at least 0.5 percent (%) of the load at 0.1% of the load cell capacity.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the load cells have built-in overload protection which automatically shuts down the MTM in case 105% or greater of the load cell capacity is detected.

3. The Contractor shall ensure the load cells are capable of data transfer rates of at least 2500 Hz.

4. The Contractor shall ensure each load cell is supplied with all hardware necessary to mount onto either the movable crosshead or the frame of the MTM.

5. The Contractor shall ensure each load cell is able to mechanically and electrically connect to each of the MTM grips.

6. The Contractor shall ensure a spare parts kit is supplied which includes all necessary wrenches, screw drivers and specialty tools necessary for replacing and adjusting the load cell components. The Contractor shall ensure the spare parts kit includes commonly replaced items such as nuts, bolts, and screws used within the load cells.

7. The Contractor shall ensure three (3) load cells with the following capacities are supplied:

a. 500 N

b. 10,000 N

c. 250,000 N

Grips:

The Contractor shall ensure the MTM includes grips and all necessary mounting hardware for use with the MTM and its associated oven and video extensometer that meet the following criteria:

250,000 Newton Capacity Wedge Grips:

1. The Contractor shall supply manually-operated wedge-type grips with a capacity of 250,000 N.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the grips hold samples up to 30 mm thick and 100 mm wide and 34 mm in diameter.

3. The Contractor shall supply all grip jaws necessary to hold samples of any size up to and including the dimensions listed in number 2 of this section.

4. The Contractor shall supply extension rods to enable grip use within the MTM oven.

5. The Contractor shall ensure the supplied extension rods are rated for the same or greater load than the grips.

6. The Contractor shall provide Polytetrafluoroethylene-based lubricant which is stable up to temperatures of 350 oC.

Compression Plates, Set 1:

1. The Contractor shall supply one (1) set of compression plates capable of applying 250,000 N of force.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the compression plates are fully capable of conforming to test specifications of ASTM D695-10.

3. The Contractor shall ensure the compression plates are supplied with all necessary hardware for use with the MTM, the oven, and the video extensometer.

4. The Contractor shall ensure the compression plates are 150 mm in diameter.

Compression Plates, Set 2:

1. The Contractor shall provide one set of compression plates capable of operating independently of any additional grips.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the plates are rated to 100,000 N of force.

3. The Contractor shall ensure the plates are 152.4 mm in diameter.

4. The Contractor shall ensure the compression plates are fully capable of conforming to test specifications of ASTM D695-10.

5. The Contractor shall provide all necessary mounting hardware for use with the MTM, the oven, and the video extensometer.

10,000 Newton Pneumatic Grips:

1. The Contractor shall provide a set of pneumatically-operated grips with a capacity of at least 10,000 N.

2. The Contractor shall supply all necessary hardware for clamp operation with the MTM, the oven, and the video extensometer.

3. The Contractor shall provide an air supply and control system to operate the pneumatically-operated clamps.

4. The Contractor shall ensure both rubber coated and serrated steel jaw faces are supplied for clamping onto samples.

5. The Contractor shall ensure the pneumatic grips and jaw faces can be used to test specimens of at least 20 mm thick.

6. The Contractor shall ensure the supplied jaw faces can hold samples 25 mm wide and 50 mm wide.

10,000 Newton Screw Action Grips:

1. The Contractor shall supply a set of screw action hand operated grips with a capacity of at least 10,000 N.

10,000 Newton Disc Burst Test Fixture:

1. The Contractor shall supply a disc burst test fixture with a capacity of at least 10,000 N.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the ball diameter is 25.4 mm.

3. The Contractor shall ensure the clamping ring inner diameter is between 44 mm and 45 mm.

4. The Contractor shall ensure the fixture is capable of performing ASTM D3787 tests.

5,000 Newton 3 And 4-Point Bend Fixture:

1. The Contractor shall supply a 3 and 4-point bend fixture with a capacity of 5,000 N.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the maximum span is 194 mm.

3. The Contractor shall ensure the minimum span is 4 mm.

4. The Contractor shall ensure the fixture is capable of measurements from -80 oC to 350 oC.

5. The Contractor shall ensure the fixture is capable of ASTM D790 and ASTM D6272 tests.

2,000 Newton Fiber Grips:

1. The Contractor shall supply grips for tensile testing of a variety of polymeric fibers.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the grips are fully compatible with the MTM oven.

3. The Contractor shall supply all necessary fiber grip mounting hardware for use with the MTM, oven and video extensometer.

4. The Contractor shall supply a set of clamping blocks for the following types of fibers:

a. Aramid

b. Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene

c. High denier fibers

d. General purpose

Fracture Mechanics Grips:

1. The Contractor shall supply fracture mechanics grips capable of performing ASTM D 5045-99 tests.

Video Extensometer and Image Correlation Program:

The Contractor shall provide one (1) video extensometer for real-time monitoring of sample strain (or DIC) during mechanical measurements and digital image correlation program.

1. The Contractor shall ensure all necessary mounts, cables and connections are supplied to connect and operate the video extensometer with the MTM, the oven, and the PC.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the video extensometer is capable of being mounted to the test frame.

3. The Contractor shall ensure the supplied software is able to use the video extensometer strain measurement as the sample strain during measurements.

4. The Contractor shall ensure data synchronization between the video extensometer and the supplied PC is automatic and does not require user intervention.

5. The Contractor shall ensure the video extensometer is able to operate both with and without the oven in place.

6. The Contractor shall ensure the video extensometer is capable of two-point sample tracking and multi-point full-sample tracking of strain with the application of a multi-point sample paint pattern.

7. The Contractor shall ensure the multi-point strain measurement can be performed post-test using Contractor-supplied post-processing software for DIC.

8. The Contractor shall ensure the digital image correlation program can be executed on the same PC as the software operating the MTM.

9. The Contractor shall provide a template and markers for the application of tracking points on samples.

10. The Contractor shall provide a 2-Dimensional (2D) calibration fixture for the video extensometer.

11. The Contractor shall ensure the lenses for the video extensometer are fully integrated into both the video extensometer and the supplied software.

12. The Contractor shall ensure the video extensometer is capable of a data rate of 490 Hz at every field of view.

13. The Contractor shall ensure the video extensometer is capable of strain measurements in both the testing direction and the transverse direction.

14. The Contractor shall supply an illumination kit capable of providing sample illumination for the video extensometer to measure strain at all conditions indicated in this document.

15. The Contractor shall provide the following lenses for the video extensometer:

a. Lens with focal length of 35 mm with a 130 mm Field Of View (FOV), with a pixel size of 0.0005 mm or less.

b. Lens with focal length of 16 mm with a 310 mm FOV, 0.0005 mm resolution or less.

c. Lens with focal length of 9 mm with a 560 mm FOV, 0.0015 mm resolution or less.

d. Lens with focal length of 6 mm with a 880 mm FOV, 0.003 mm resolution or less.

16. The Contractor shall ensure the video extensometer is capable of at least 1% axial and transverse resolution or better for every lens.

17. The Contractor shall ensure the video extensometer is capable of controlling air currents between samples and the camera to eliminate noise caused by unwanted air currents.

18. The Contractor shall ensure the video extensometer is equipped with light emitting diode (LED) lighting.

19. The Contractor shall ensure the video extensometer is capable of multi-point two-dimensional calibration.

20. The Contractor shall ensure the video extensometer is capable of automatically locating sample strain marks.

21. The Contractor shall ensure the video extensometer shall meet the ISO 9513 requirements of class 0.5 using the 35 mm or 16mm lens.

Validation And Warranty:

1. The Contractor shall supply on-site, assembly, installation, verification and calibration of all equipment.

2. The Contractor shall verify on-site that the load cell accuracy is at least 0.5% at 1% of each load cell capacity.

3. The Contractor shall ensure the crosshead speed is accurate to within 1% of the readout value.

4. The Contractor shall provide on-site training and overview of all components listed in this document.

5. The Contractor shall provide a (1) year warranty on all components listed in this document, with the warranty start date being the day the installation is finished.

(vii) Delivery is required within 12 weeks after receipt of order (ARO). Delivery shall be made to the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD. Acceptance shall be performed at the U.S. ARL, APG, MD. The FOB point is the U.S. ARL, APG, MD.

(viii) The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial, applies to this acquisition. The following addenda have been attached to this provision: 52.214-34, 52.214-35.

(ix) The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items is applicable to this acquisition. The specific evaluation criteria to be included in paragraph (a) of that provision are as follows:

Evaluation Criteria - Supplies (Tradeoff)

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the solicitation and will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: Technical, Past Performance and Price.

The Technical element of the evaluation will first be a determination as to whether the proposed product meets the performance characteristics and specifications in the solicitation. Those offers that meet or exceed the stated performance characteristics and specifications will then be evaluated in terms of technical aspects above the minimum requirements and of those aspects not addressed in the solicitation performance characteristics and specifications that would be most beneficial to the Government. In particular, the Government is willing to trade-off on price for offerors that exceed the following performance characteristics/specifications and/or delivery time:

· If the mechanical testing machine is capable of strain rates in excess of 508 millimeters per minute.

· If the mechanical testing machine load cells exhibit force resolution of 0.001 to 0.01 % of the load cell capacity.

The Technical element of the evaluation shall be based solely on information furnished by the vendor. The Government is not responsible for locating or securing any information, which is not identified in the proposal. To ensure sufficient information is available, vendors must furnish as part of their proposal all descriptive material (such as cuts, illustrations, drawings, or other information) necessary for the Government to determine whether the product meets or exceeds the performance characteristics and specifications of the requirement. If the offeror proposes to modify a product so as to conform to the requirement of this solicitation, the offeror shall include a clear description of such proposed modifications and clearly mark any descriptive materials to show modifications.

Past performance will be evaluated based on information provided by the offeror as to actual sales of the proposed product to industry or Government agencies. Past performance will consider the ability of the offeror to meet technical specifications, delivery schedules (with warranty fulfillment and maintenance reputation included as applicable). Offerors shall include ___2____ relevant records of sales from the previous __12___ months. Offerors shall identify a point of contact for each sale by providing a name and telephone number.

Price will be evaluated based on the total proposed price, including options, (if any).

Technical and past performance are of equal importance and when combined are significantly more important than price. The Government reserves the right to award to other than the lowest price and to award without discussions.

(x) Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations with its offer.

(xi) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following addenda have been attached to this clause: None.

(xii) The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items and the selected clauses listed in DFARS 212.301 Solicitation provisions and Contract Clauses for the Acquisition of Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following additional FAR/DFARS clauses cited in this clause are applicable:

52.203-3, 52.203-6, 52.203-6 ALT I, 52.204-10, 52.209-6, 52.219-4, 52.219-8, 52.219-28, 52.222-3, 52.222-19, 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.222-40, 52.222-50, 52.223-18, 52.225-13, 52.232-33, 52.232-36

252.203-7000, 252.203-7005, 252.204-7011, 252.204-7012, 252.204-7015, 252.215-7007, 252.215-7008, 252.223-7008, 252.225-7000, 252.225-7001, 252.225-7012, 252.225-7031, 252.225-7050, 252.232-7003, 252.232-7010, 252.243-7002, 252.244-7000, 252.246-7003, 252.247-7023.

(xiii) The following additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions apply (full text of all local clauses can be found in the attached ACC-APG Adelphi Local Clauses Full Text document):

52.204-4, 52.204-7, 52.209-10, 52.225-25, 52.229-3, 52.243-1, 52.246-2, 52.246-16, 52.249-2, 52.252-1, 52.252-2, 252.204-0001, 252.204-7000, 252.211-7003, 252.232-7006. This will be a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) award and the following local clauses apply to this acquisition:

52.004-4409 ACC - APG POINT OF CONTACT (APR 2011)

52.004-4411 TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT (DEC 2002)

APG-ADL-B.5152.216-4407 TYPE OF CONTRACT (SEP 1999)

52.046-4400 GOVERNMENT INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE (SEP 1999)

52.032-4418 TAX EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE (SEP 1999)

52.232-4423 PAYMENT OFFICE (BANKCARD – INVOICES REQUIRED)

52.005-4401 RELEASE OF INFORMATION BY MANUFACTURERS, RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AND OTHER COMMERCIAL ENTITIES HOLDING ARMY CONTRACTS (AUG 2006)

52.011-4401 RECEIVING ROOM REQUIREMENTS - APG ALTERNATE I (JAN 2003)

AMC-LEVEL PROTEST PROGRAM (JUL 2011)

US ARMY CONTRACTING COMMAND (ACC-APG) – ADELPHI CONTRACTING DIVISION WEBSITE

Offeror(s) may access the Adelphi Contracting Division website at: http://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?page=509

(xiv) The following notes apply to this announcement: Prices given in bids shall be in U.S. dollars and valid through the time of payment (30 days after invoicing).

(xv) Offers are due on 17 August 2015, by 11:59 A.M. ET, and shall be sent electronically to Jamie.n.white2.civ@mail.mil cc joseph.m.dellinger2.ctr@mail.mil.

(xvi) For information regarding this solicitation, please contact Jamie White (301) 394-1615; Jamie.n.white2.civ@mail.mil.

Contracting Officer:

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