TAM AIR Isothermal Calorimeter

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) intends to issue a sole source award to TA Instruments – Waters, LLC. (CAGE Code: 0MJS5) to procure (1) TAM AIR Isothermal Calorimeter in the areas of Concrete Materials Branch (CMB) research for use in performing forensic analysis of concrete structures. Analysis requires capabilities to analyze the heat of hydration of materials at various temperatures under isothermal conditions. This equipment is also used for measuring the pozzolanic activity of alternative supplementary cementitious materials; this is useful in determining viability of materials that can replace cement for concrete which makes concrete cost less while increasing durability. Measuring the heat of hydration and pozzolanic activity of cementitious materials requires very precise equipment capable of measuring microwatts of thermal energy precisely over long periods of time. The 8-channel isothermal conduction calorimeters need to operate at ambient conditions and have more precise control over temperature ±0.001 °C.  Additionally, it shall interface with the existing TAM Air calorimeters and software that has previously been acquired. Thus, TAM AIR Isothermal Calorimeter must be procured. The unique characteristics detailed are critical to the continuation of the GSL’s mission and continued research in the Concrete Materials Branch (CMB). Since alternative methods of field-testing technique will not be deemed acceptable, it is determined that TA Instruments – Waters, LLC. (CAGE Code: 0MJS5) is the only vendor that can provide the TAM AIR Isothermal Calorimeter that can meet the government’s exact specifications. Therefore, the Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed price contract to TA Instruments – Waters, LLC in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). TA Instruments – Waters, LLC is not a small business concern under the applicable NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1000 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 Tam Coronel at Tam.M.Coronel@usace.army.mil no later than 09:00AM CST Wednesday, 03 September 2025.