A01_-_Sources_Sought_Synopsis.doc

Sources Sought

(1) Action Code: SOURCES SOUGHT

This is a Sources Sought Notice only. This is not a request for proposal, but a survey to locate potential sources. This Sources Sought does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals, or a Request for Quotations, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue an order or otherwise pay for the information solicited, nor is it a guarantee of a forthcoming solicitation or contract. It is for market research purposes only. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation.

The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities, and qualifications of various members of industry, to include the Small Business Community: Small Business, Section 8(a), Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUB-Zone), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). The Government must ensure there is adequate competition among the potential pool of responsible contractors. Small business, Section 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, & EDWOSB businesses are highly encouraged to participate.

(2) Date: 22 December 2016

(3) Classification Code: 66

(4) NAICS Code: 334516

(5) NAICS Size Standard: 1,000 employees

(6) Contracting Office Address:

2800 Powder Mill Road

Bldg. 601

Adelphi, Maryland 20783

(7) Subject: Sources Sought for one (1) automatic hardness test

(8) Proposed Solicitation Number: W911QX-17-T-0065

(9) Sources Sought Closing Response Date: 28 December 2016

(10) Contact Point:

Jamie N. White - Contract Specialist

Aaron C. Sabino - Acquisition Technician

Contract Specialist jamie.n.white2.civ@mail.mil; Phone 301-394-1615 Acquisition Technician aaron.c.sabino.ctr@mail.mil; Phone 301-394-3374

(11)

A. Objective:

To find sources that are qualified to meet the supplies/services as listed in section 11B. Note that the specific requirements in section C are subject to change prior to the release of any solicitation.

B. AUTOMATED HARDNESS TESTER

The Ceramics and Transparent Materials Branch (CTMB) with the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD) at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) requires the purchase of one (1) automated hardness tester.

1. The Contractor shall provide one (1) automatic hardness test unit that conforms to the following minimum performance specifications:

· Fully automatic and integrated closed loop load cell force control and precision optical measurement system

· The ability to automatically cover the micro and macro load ranges from a minimum of 50 grams (g) to a maximum of 10000 g load force through the loading, dwell and unloading stages of testing. The load cells will be accurate to 1.5% at < 200 g and 1% at > 200 g

· Capabilities for both Vickers and Knoop testing

· Minimum vertical testing capacity of 125 millimeters (mm)

· Fully automatic, computer controlled, high-speed X-Y stage with minimum dimensions of 175 mm x 175 mm, minimum workspace of 140 x 140 mm, a minimum of 5 micrometer position accuracy and a static load capacity of 150g

· Full-automatic software package to control the hardness tester and the automatic X-Y stage and that provides automatic focusing and illumination, image analysis, on board hardness conversions, pattern editor and the ability to save, print and export data/reports

· Fixed turret to hold the one (1) indenter and two (2) objectives. A rotating turret is NOT acceptable

· 10x, 20x and 50x objectives

· Measuring range of 20-220 micrometers at 50x

· Turrent safety collision control

2. The Contractor shall provide one (1) computer with a minimum 24” monitor and keyboard compatible with the software required for control of the hardness tester and the X-Y stage

· The computer will also have Microsoft Excel software available to compile the data generated and exchange data through the ARL computer network

3. The Contractor shall provide one (1) high resolution overview camera that is compatible with, and is integrated into, the hardness testing unit. The camera will have the following minimum requirements :

· 12.8 x 10.6 mm field of view

· 5 Mp with 20-2000x digital zoom

4. The Contractor shall provide four (4) Knoop indenters each with an individual indenter holder that allows for fast indenter exchange the ability to maintain indenter alignment during the exchange.

· The indenters must be certified to meet ASTM E384 requirements

C. Responses:

All interested parties should notify this office in writing, mail, or e-mail within the posted date. Responses shall include:

(I) To what extent each of the specifications can be met.

(II) Include your type of business (i.e. commercial, academia), whether your organization is classified as a large or small business based on the 1,000 employees standard that accompanies NAICS code 334516. If a small business, you must also list any small disadvantaged status you hold [HUBZone, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), etc.].

(III) Past experience/ performance through the description of completed projects.

(12 Responses to this sources sought synopsis are due no later than 1159am eastern standard time 28 December 2016. Submissions should be emailed to contract specialist Jamie N. White, Jamie.n.white2.civ@mail.mil and Copy (CC) acquisition specialist Aaron C. Sabino, aaron.c.sabino.ctr@mail.mil Mailed submissions can be sent to the address in block 7, ATTN: Jamie N. White Questions concerning this sources sought synopsis may be directed to Contract Specialist Jamie N. White at Jamie.n.white2.civ@mail.mil or 301-394-1615. Please be advised that .zip and .exe files cannot be accepted.

(13) Place of Contract Performance:

Weapons and Material Research Directorate (WMRD)

321 Colleran Rd

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5001

(14) Estimated Delivery Timeframe or Period of Performance: twelve (12) weeks after date of contract (ADC)

Last updated 11/15/2016