Automated micro-hardness testing system

Added: Aug 26, 2015 12:57 pm This notice 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; offers are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12 and the Simplified Acquisition Procedures set forth in FAR Part 13.

This notice is being issued as a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for an Automated Micro-Hardness Testing System. The automated micro-hardness testing system shall conform to the following test standards:

For Vickers hardness: ASTM E384 and EN ISO 6507 For Knoop hardness: ASTM E384 and EN ISO 4545

The micro-hardness testing system shall comply with the following specifications:

Indenter:

Shall include both Vickers and Knoop diamond indenters.

Shall be capable of imposing loads from 10 gf to 10 kgf.

Shall have a computer controlled motorized turret with a minimum of 4 available positions (with 6 desirable) for observation lenses and/or indenters.

System Hardware:

Shall include a digital camera with a minimum of 1 megapixel resolution for image acquisition.

Should include a second (low magnification) overview camera with a minimum field of view of 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches to ease the indentation pattern selection process.

Shall include a high intensity light emitting diode (LED) illumination source.

The X/Y stage shall be capable of at least 5 inches (127 mm) of motion from stop to stop in both X and Y directions.

The resolution of the stage positioning should be 1 micron or better with positioning accuracy of plus or minus 4 microns or better.

The sample stage should be capable of holding (and positioning) a specimen of 22 lbs (10 kg) or greater.

The positioning of the specimen and/or indenter shall be computer controlled in X, Y, and Z.

The system shall include a personal computer running the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system and at least a 19 inch flat panel monitor.

The systems shall have the option of accommodating a multi-specimen holder (6 or more standard metallurgical mounts of 1.25 inches diameter).

Software:

The system shall be capable of preprogrammed arbitrary patterns of indentations. The indentation location selection process should be point and click in that the location of the indents should be easily user selectable on an image of the sample with calibrated distance measurements available on screen.

The software shall be capable of automatically calculating the spacing of indents such that subsequent indents are not influenced by the plastic strain field of prior indents.

The system software shall automatically quantify the area of the indentation and compute the material hardness in the appropriate scale with available conversion to other scales in accordance with ASTM E140 and EN ISO 18265.

The system shall be capable of fully automatically determination of the case hardness depth of appropriately treated components. The software should include plotting functions to graphically display hardness data in real time.

The software/hardware should include an automatic focusing function to ensure accurate capture of indentation dimensions.

The provisions and clauses in the RFQ are those in effect through FAC _2005_-_83B_ CURRENT FAC CAN BE OBTAINED FROM http://nais.nasa.gov/far/ .

This procurement is a total small business set-aside.

The NAICS Code and the small business size standard for this procurement are 334519 and 500 employees, respectively. The offeror shall state in their offer their size status for this procurement.

All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.

Delivery to NASA Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135 is required within. Delivery shall be FOB Destination.

Offers for the items(s) described above are due by close of business Friday, September 4, 2015, to NASA Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, Attn: Antoinette M. Niebieszczanski, MS 60-1, Cleveland, OH 44135 or antoinette.m.niebieszczanski@nasa.gov and must include, solicitation number, FOB destination to this Center, proposed delivery schedule, discount/payment terms, warranty duration (if applicable), taxpayer identification number (TIN), identification of any special commercial terms, and be signed by an authorized company representative. Offerors are encouraged to use the Standard Form 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items form found at URL: http://server-mpo.arc.na sa.gov/Services/NEFS/NEFSHome.tml

Offerors shall provide the information required by FAR 52.212-1 (APR 2014), Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items, which is incorporated by reference.

If the end product(s) offered is other than domestic end product(s) as defined in the clause entitled "Buy American Act -- Supplies," the offeror shall so state and shall list the country of origin.

FAR 52.212-4 (DEC 2014), Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items is applicable.

FAR 52.212-5 (MAR 2015), Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items is applicable and the following identified clauses are incorporated by reference:

52.204-10 REPORTING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND FIRST-TIER SUBCONTRACTOR AWARDS

52.209-6 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENTS INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTORS DEBARRED, SUSPENDED, OR PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT

52.219-7 NOTICE OF TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

52.222-3 CONVICT LABOR

52.222-19 CHILD LABOR COOPERATION WITH AUTHORITIES AND REMEDIES

52.222-21 PROHIBITION OF SEGREGATED FACILITIES

52.222-26 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES

52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

52.223-18 ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICIES TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING

52.225-1 BUY AMERICAN SUPPLIES

52.225-3 BUY AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS ISRAELI TRADE ACT

52.225-13 RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PURCHASES

52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

The FAR may be obtained via the Internet at URL: http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.htm l

The NFS may be obtained via the Internet at URL: http://www.hq.nasa.gov/o ffice/procurement/regs/nfstoc.htm

All contractual and technical questions must be in writing (e-mail or fax) to antoinette.m.niebieszczanski@nasa.gov or 216-433-5090 not later than close of business Tuesday, September 1, 2015. Telephone questions will NOT be accepted.

Selection and award will be made to that offeror whose offer will be most advantageous to the Government, with consideration given to the factors of proposed technical merit, price, and past performance. It is critical that offerors provide adequate detail to allow evaluation of their offer. (SEE FAR 52.212-1(b)).

Offerors must include completed copies of the provision at 52.212-3 (MAR 2015), Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items with their offer. The provision may be obtained via the internet at URL: http: //farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_000.htm . These representations and certifications will be incorporated by reference in any resultant contract.