Soil Particle Analysis for Soil Boundary Determination

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) has a requirement for a laser diffractometer to conduct rapid particle size analysis on soil samples to precisely determine soil texture to be procured on a sole source basis from Malvern Panalytical, Inc (CAGE Code: 68830). ERDC GRL seeks to acquire a new laser diffraction analyzer (Mastersizer 3000).  The Mastersizer 3000 is manufactured by Malvern Panalytical.  ERDC-GRL requires the purchase of the Mastersizer 3000 for rapid and precise soil particle size analysis.

Malvern Panalytical is currently the only laser diffractometer provider that meets the particle size requirement that includes parameters for analyzing particle roughness.  Malvern Panalytical produces a laser diffractometer that meets the size constraints of soil particle size analysis (0-3 mm). They provide instrument servicing and training assistance for their machines.  The Mastersizer 3000 by Malvern Panalytical can analyze particles up to 3.5 mm, claims a 10-second analysis time for a sample, and produces customizable workflows that can be tailored to the Government’s specific requirements.

The GRL needs to a procure a laser diffractometer for soil particle size analysis from Malvern Panalytical, Inc. The laser diffractometer must handle particle sizes up to 3.0 millimeters. Sand particles are 2.0 millimeters, but surface roughness can increase the true diameter depending on how the sediment is passed through the machine. Customizable SOPs is a necessary function of the machine, as the Government will be using the laser diffractometer for soil. Clay particles are platy, which means light diffracts off of them differently than with spherical particles. Limits for the clay particles will need to be adjusted to accurately reflect that uniquity. The machine must be no higher than a Class 1 laser.  The Malvern Mastersizer 3000 is the only laser diffractometer that meets the requirements of the Government. The Mastersizer 3000 can analyze particle sizes up to 3.5 millimeters, measures particles through wet dispersion, contains a Class 1 laser, and purports to analyze a sample in 10 seconds.

The Government intends to procure from only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).  This notice of intent is for information purposes only. 

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals.  A solicitation will not be issued.  However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency.  The information submitted must be provided in sufficient detail to demonstrate the vendor’s ability to fulfill this requirement. The contractor must also provide a description of their past experience in fulfilling requirements which are the same or similar to this requirement and references for each.

Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Verbal communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.  Responses to this requirement may be submitted to Anna Crawford at Anna.Crawford@usace.army.mil.  The solicitation number shall be included in the subject line of the e-mail submission.  Responses must be received no later than 12:00 PM CST, Friday, August 18, 2023.