Upgrade the Existing MTS FlexTest100 Controller, Install and Calibrate the Existing MTS Test Frame Model 305. 03, and Provide the Specific MTS Software and Hardware Training

Notice of Intent to Sole Source

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Engineering Lab (EL), Structural Testing Laboratory, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106(b)(1), with MTS Systems Corporation (MTS) to upgrade the existing MTS FlexTest100 Controller, install and calibrate the existing MTS Test frame Model 305.03, and provide the specific MTS software and hardware training.

Background Information and Basis for Sole Source

The Structure Testing Laboratory, EL, is using MTS actuators and MTS testing frames, to execute its experimental projects at the NIST Gaithersburg, MD campus. The current MTS FlexTest100 Controller, that controls all the MTS actuators and 220 kips MTS testing frame in the Structure Testing Laboratory, will need an upgrade to allow the integration of the MTS Test frame Model 305.03 into the hydraulic system, powered by the MTS HPU SilentFlo 515. The MTS test frame Model 305.03 hasn’t been in use in over two decades, and its current working condition is unknown.  This frame will be used mainly for concrete materials testing, particularly for mortar cubes and flexural beam testing, but it can be used for other material testing applications with the proper testing fixtures.

Additionally, since the Hydraulic Testing equipment used in Structure Testing Laboratory is all MTS equipment, only parts/equipment components manufactured by MTS will be compatible with the existing Hydraulic testing System. These are sold directly from manufacturer, and no other vendors can sell these MTS products.

The components needed for the upgrade and installation of the MTS Model 305.03 cannot be substituted from other companies, as these are not compatible with the MTS system, and it would not function.

As, such it is recommended to negotiate with Material Test Systems Corporation (MTS) to upgrade and install the MTS Model 305.03.

General

The North American Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334519- Other Measuring And Controlling Device Manufacturing. The small business size standard is 600 employees.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, responses received by the listed due date, will be considered by the Government.

A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing on or before the response due date for this notice. This notice of intent is not a solicitation. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to Seth Kaplan at seth.kaplan@nist.gov. All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted so that they are received at seth.kaplan@nist.gov no later than the aforementioned due date.