Sources Sought for One (1) Directed Energy Deposition 3D Rapid Prototype Machine

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. Salient Characteristics

 The Contractor shall provide one (1) Directed Energy Deposition 3D Rapid Prototype Machine that meets the following minimum requirements:

• Machine shall feed metallic alloy powder through a nozzle, which is then melted by a laser and deposited on a substrate in an inert, argon, environment
• The deposition process and laser operations shall be contained in a hermetically sealed Class 1 laser enclosure for safety
• The environment of the chamber shall be able to be controlled at oxygen levels of five (5) parts per million (ppm) or less
• Machine shall contain a minimum build envelope of 0.23 cubic meters (m3)
• Machine shall contain a minimum laser head travel distance of 609 x 609 x 609 millimeters (mm)
• Laser shall be a fiber laser with minimum power of two (2) kilowatts (kW)
• The machine shall have the capability to have user selectable laser spot sizes in the range of 50-500 micrometers (um).
• The machine shall provide for cooling of the optics to limit thermal distortion, maintain process stability, and maximize optics life.
• The deposition head shall have a minimum of three (3) separate nozzles for simultaneously depositing multiple materials
• The machine shall have the capability to provide user selectable deposition rates, variable from 0.25 to two (2) pounds/hour.
• The machine shall have an integrated vision camera for viewing the deposition surface, monitoring the process, and precisely aligning the laser head
• The machine shall have a minimum of two (2) powder hoppers with servo-driven powder feeders for continuous feeding of multiple materials
• The machine shall have an antechamber, with a minimum size of 375 mm diameter, which allows passing tools and materials into the main chamber while maintaining inert atmosphere
• The machine shall purify the inert gas used for the process in order to obtain a maximum of five (5) ppm.
• The machine shall be capable of four (4) axis, computer numerical control (CNC) controlled motion
• The machine shall have a rotating table for the workpiece
• The machine shall come with a control system for layer-wise manufacturing
• The machine shall provide a tool path generator for use with the control system
• The system shall have a large front door for accessing the main chamber with minimum dimensions of 1330 x 1520 mm
• The machine shall have a viewing window for process observation that is laser safe and maintains the enclosure as a Class 1 laser enclosure.
• Installation and up to five (5) days on-site training on the machine for up to three (3) people.
• Minimum of one (1) year limited warranty on the laser and mechanical machines.
• Delivery required with 20 weeks to Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD.

AT-OPSEC Requirements: Access to Installation

• Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by Installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204.9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.
• Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Indx (NCIC-III) and Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05/AR 190-13), applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative), or, at OCONUS locations, in accordance with status of forces agreements and other theater regulations.

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 500 employee size standard that accompanies NAICS code 333249. 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 11:59 AM eastern standard time 21 April 2021. Submissions should be emailed to Adrian Barber, adrian.t.barber.civ@mail.mil. 

Questions concerning this sources sought may be directed to Adrian Barber, adrian.t.barber.civ@mail.mil.  Please be advised that .zip and .exe files cannot be accepted.

 (13) Place of Contract Performance: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005

(14) Estimated Delivery Timeframe or Period of Performance: no later than Twenty (20) Weeks After Receipt of Order (ARO)