SOLICITATION NOTICE
66 -- STA 409 CD TEST SYSTEM
- Notice Date
- 6/12/2006
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 334516
— Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812
- ZIP Code
- 35812
- Solicitation Number
- NNM06155402Q
- Response Due
- 6/20/2006
- Archive Date
- 6/12/2007
- Description
- NASA/MSFC has a requirement for one (1) STA 409 CD Test System which is a Simultaneous Thermogravimetric (TG), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)system. NASA/MSFC intends to purchase the items from Netzsch Instruments only. Competition is impractical for the following reasons: 1. The 25g capacity Netzsch system has a minimum 5microgram resolution; thereby making it more accurate than other systems. The Netzsch system is designed with the microbalance at the bottom of a T and the DSC-TG pans sit on top of the T in special circular receptacles - there are no hang-down wires. This top-loading design supports the natural gas flow path, keeping solids from forming on the microbalance. Gases rise up and are carried out the top of the furnace, away from the microbalance. Netzsch Instruments, Inc. is the only known company with this design combined with the 5 microgram resolution and 25g capacity. Its competitors' design has an inverted T with the microbalance above and the pans are at the bottom which contribute to solids forming the sample carrier stem and on the microbalance and also contribute to the system becoming increasingly less accurate over time. There are no other systems that have the combination of maximum capacity, resolution, and accuracy as the Netzsch system. 2. The Netzsch system has the capability to run large volume TG?s up to 3.4ml with a thermocouple mounted directly underneath the TG sample crucible and another in the wall of the furnace. This allows someone to see exothermic and endothermic reactions of the sample comparing the difference in temperatures of the two thermocouples. This is a patent pending design called Calculated DTA software that allows someone to calibrate the TG by using melting points of metals, which is a lot more accurate than using curie points with magnetic fields that competitors use. It is important to have accurate calibration of the system so that the behavior of materials can be appropriately characterized. No other systems have this capability. 3. The Netzsch system has quick release sensors that must be changed when going from low to high volume pans which are much easier than competitor systems. This allows for minimal operator training and operation time resulting in lower cost operations. No other system with this capacity, resolution, accuracy, and Calculated DTA has this capability. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on June 20, 2006. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort 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. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.
- Web Link
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- Record
- SN01068155-W 20060614/060612221246 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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