Sole Source - Automatic Thin Sectioning Saw for ERDC GSL

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) intends to issue a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) sole source award to Pelcon Materials & Testing ApS (CAGE: R8675 / UEI: EG5PD84ZY1G7) for one automatic thin sectioning saw.

The ERDC GSL is engaged in ongoing force protection research, developing novel cementitious materials, and is regularly engaged to perform forensic analysis of concrete structures.  To accomplish ongoing research, GSL has the need to acquire capabilities to manufacture cementitious samples for microstructural analysis.  The first step toward microstructural analysis of concrete materials involves creating thin section samples for optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.  Making these samples requires a precision saw.  To meet the ERDC GSL’s requirement, the saw must be able to provide ±1 micron accuracy, which can only be provided by Pelcon Materials & Testing ApS.  

Procurement of a different brand of saw that do not provide ±1 micron accuracy result in poorly polished samples, which leave linear striations indicative of poor specimen creation.  Eliminating the need to polish samples provides a higher level of efficiency. It is essential that specimens be of the highest quality when conducting force protection research.  Additionally, planeness errors with a higher micron accuracy result in microscope focusing problems leading to misinterpretation of features, particularly for optimal mineral birefringence visibility.  As a result, Pelcon Materials & Testing ApS is the only known vendor who can provide an automatic thin sectioning saw to meet the ERDC GSL’s requirement.

The award will be issued in accordance with FAR 13.500. The applicable North American Industrial Classification System Code (NAICS) code is 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a size standard of 1,000 employees. 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. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.  Responses to this requirement may be submitted to Angie Stokes at Anglea.M.Stokes@usace.army.mil and David Ammermann at David.G.Ammermann@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 2:00PM CST 8 July 2025.