High Temperature bottom loading Box Furnace Heating Chamber

(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: 02 August 2023  

(3) Classification Code : 44           

(4) NAICS Code:      334519          

(5) NAICS Size Standard: 600 employees

(6) Contracting Office Address:     2800 Powder Mill Road
Bldg. 601
Adelphi, Maryland 20783

(7) Subject:  Sources Sought for one (1) High Temperature bottom loading Box Furnace Heating Chamber

(8) Proposed Solicitation Number:  W911QX23Q0172

(9) Sources Sought Closing Response Date: Due Five (5) business days after posting

(10) Contact Point: Swati Jain, Contract Specialist, swati.jain2.civ@army.mil

(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. The Contractor shall provide one (1) High Temperature bottom loading Box Furnace Heating Chamber which meet the following minimum requirements: The aforementioned system shall meet the following specifications.

• Size must be 10 inches (“) wide by 10” high by 12” deep
• Shall offer consistant temperature control and uniformity, along with energy efficiency
• Shall be equipped with an automatic shut-off safety feature that ensures enhanced safety and peace of mind. This feature shall automatically turn off the furnace in the event of any potential safety risks or abnormalities, preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of users and the surrounding environment
• Shall feature a double-shell design that effectively maintains outside temperature. This design shall consist of an inner chamber where the heating process takes place, surrounded by an outer shell that acts as an insulation barrier. By incorporating this double-shell design, the furnaces prevent excessive heat transfer to the external surfaces, ensuring user safety and minimizing the risk of accidental burns. Additionally, the lower outside temperature enhances the overall energy efficiency of the furnaces by reducing heat loss to the surrounding environment
• Shall be engineered to provide rapid heat-up and cool-down capabilities, ensuring efficient and time-saving operations. These furnaces utilize advanced heating elements and insulation materials that facilitate quick heating of the inner chamber to the desired temperature. This allows for faster start-up times (depending on the setting temperature) and reduces waiting periods before beginning experiments or processes.

C. Responses:

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

1. To what extent each of the specifications can be met.

1.  Include your type of business (i.e. commercial, academia), whether your organization is classified as a large or small business based on the 600 employee size standard that accompanies NAICS code 334519. 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.].

1. Past experience/ performance through the description of completed projects.

(12) Responses to this sources sought are due no later than 11:59AM eastern standard time due five (5) business days after posting. Submissions should be emailed to Swati Jain, Contract Specialist, swati.jain2.civ@army.mil

Questions concerning this sources sought may be directed to Swati Jain, Contract Specialist, swati.jain2.civ@army.mil  Please be advised that .zip and .exe files cannot be accepted.

 (13) Place of Contract Performance:

U.S. Army Research Laboratory

Attn: Rebecca Renberg

2800 Powder Mill Road

Adelphi, MD 20783

(14) Estimated Delivery Timeframe or Period of Performance:

Delivery date 15 October 2023