Liquid Particle Size Data Analyzer

This is a special notice prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 5.2, Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions. The contracting office for this notice is the 10th Contracting Squadron, USAF Academy, CO 80840.

The US Air Force Academy (USAFA) intends to award a sole source commercial contract to Malvern Panalytical Inc for a liquid particle size data analyzer.

Description of Services:

A liquid particle size data analyzer capable of making measurements every 0.1 milliseconds and a laboratory system capable of spraying precisely sized aerosols in combustion experiments.

In addition, the particle size data analyzer should meet or exceed the following technical specifications:

• Have a 10 KHz maximum acquisition rate
• Have a lens system that can cover a range of spray particles between 0.1 and 2000 microns
• Have auto-align capability
• Be able to accurately measure particle size at up to 98% obscuration
• Have software capable of the following:
  • Frame-by-frame event analysis
  • Instantaneous result playback
  • Provide real-time feedback of the test measurements
  • Statistical analysis of spray particles
  • Overlay of results at different test times
  • Allow for variable triggering of spray particles
  • Provide multiple scattering analysis for high concentration sprays

The market research results indicate that Malvern Panalytical Inc is the only known responsible source capable of fulfilling all aspects of this requirement.

The identified sole source is:

Malvern Panalytical Inc

2400 Computer Drive

Westborough MA 01581

UEI: YYDEKQG2AR67

THIS IS NOT AN INVITATION FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES. This acquisition is being pursued on a sole source basis under the authority of 10 USC 2304(c)(1), only one responsible source. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes; however, the Government will consider all responses received to this notice by the closing date and time of this notice. Any responses to this notice received after the closing date and time will be late and may not be taken into consideration.  All information submitted should support the offeror's capability to fulfill this requirement and shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government.  Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement is solely within the discretion of the Government.  If no responses are received, the government will proceed with the sole source acquisition.

Points of Contact:

Ms. Susan D. Ulma, Contracting Officer, susan.ulma@us.af.mil.

5352.201-9101 Ombudsman

(a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern.

(b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions).

(c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contact the ombudsmen,

James Anderson

8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103

USAFA, CO 80840

Telephone number 719-333-3829

FAX 719-333-9018

Email: james.anderson.72@us.af.mil

Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU ombudsman level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Department of the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (571) 256-2395, facsimile number (571) 256-2431.The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.

(d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.

(e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer.

(End of clause)