National Institute of Standards and Technology, Acquisition and Assistance Division, Bldg 301, Room B117, Gaithersburg, MD 20899

66 -- CONTROLLED STRESS BENCHTOP RHEOMETER SOL 53SBNB6C9198 DUE 082196 POC Diane Loeb (301) 975-6399, Sharon Farinholt (301) 975-6339 This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is 53SBNB6C9198 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 90-33. The standard industrial classification (SIC) Code is 3826. The Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) are as follows: CLIN 0001 Controlled Stress Benchtop Rheometer. NIST is interested in acquiring a benchtop rheometer system that will be used to measure mechanical properties of polymer blend materials in the molten state as well as polymer solutions and polymer gels. The instrument will have the capability to perform steady state, transient and dynamic mechanical measurements. The instrument will also have the capability to operate in both controlled stress and controlled strain rate modes. Capacity for future attachment of optical measuring equipment for optical dichroism and flow birefringence measurements is also required. Interchangeable testing geometries including cone-and-plate, parallel plate, and couette geometries (permanent and disposable fixtures) with temperature control from ambient temperature to a maximum operating temperature of at least 250 Degrees Centigrade are also required. The following are specifications for the Controlled Stress Benchtop Rheometer: A. MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS: (1) controlled stress or controlled strain rate operation; (2) steady state, transient, and dynamic measurement modes as well as flexibility to operate user programmed test modes; (3) Automatic gap setting with temperature compensation: Gap resolution = 0.125 micrometer or less; (4) Fixtures: Cone and plate, parallel plate, couette (cup and bob), Disposable cone and plate, and parallel plates; (5) Motor system: Drag cup motor system with air bearing and temperature sensing in motor windings for active compensation of stress variation due to thermal heating at high stresses; (6) Torque Range: Maximum = 50 gram-centimeter or greater; Minimum = 0.01 gram-centimeter or lower; (7) Torque Resolution: 0.001 gram-centimeter or better; (8) Angular Velocity: Maximum = 300 rad/s or greater; (9) Angular Resolution: 1 microradian or better; (10) Frequency Range: Maximum = 500 rad/s or greater; Minimum = .0005 rad/s or lower; (11) Active inertial compensation, software implemented inertial correction is not acceptable; (12) Normal Force Range: Maximum = 4000 grams or greater; Minimum = 0.01 grams or lower; (13) Normal Force Resolution: 0.001 grams or less; (14) Calibration kit for torque and normal stress transducers. B. TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS: (1) Programmable heating and cooling rates; (2) Temperature resolution: 0.1 Degrees Centigrade; (3) Melt operation (Cone and plate and parallel plate): Ambient to maximum temperature of at least 250 degrees centigrade; (4) Liquids operation (Couette geometry): Ambient to mximum temperature of at least 150 degrees centigrade; (5) Different heater geometries for different fixtures acceptable; (6) Vapor barrier and humidity control for atmospheric control. C. COMPUTER COMPATIBILITY: (Computer and printer will be obtained separately) Instrument software and hardware compatible with Pentium based computer with Windows 95 operating system. D. POWER REQUIREMENTS: (1)200-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz; (2) Operation with 100 psi or less compressed air supply. E. PERIPHERALS: (1) Air dryer for compressed air supply to meet instrument requirements; (2) Recirculating fluids bath suitable for temperature control requirements. In addition, this requirement includes an optional item which is to be part of the offer requested at this time but the exercise of the option is a unilateral decision of the government. This optional item shall be available for a one year period from date of award. The optional item is CLIN 0002: Optical system capable of measuring birefringeance and dichroism of samples. Software for data analysis of optical data shall be included. The optical system allows for simultaneous measurement of optical birefringeance/dichroism and rheological properties. The optical system shall be compatible with the base system and have the necessary hardware and software connections. The offeror shall provide one set of the most current version of user manuals and publications for all items provided under this contract. The offeror shall include the same warranty terms offered to the general public in customary commercial practices. NIST requires delivery of the system FOB Destination Gaithersburg, MD within 3 months after award. The place of delivery is: NIST, Shipping and Receiving, Bldg 301, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. The provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial, applies to this acquisition. FAR provision 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items applies with the following specific evaluation criteria to be included in paragraph (a): (i) price, (ii) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement; and, (iii) past performance/experience. Evaluation of the specific evaluation criteria will be based on information submitted in response to this RFQ. It is recommended that information be included which demonstrates that the items offered meet all the requirements identified in this combined synopsis/solicitation. In addition, past performance/experience will be evaluated (include contact points, telephone numbers, and a description of the items). Information which merely offers to furnish an item in accordance with the requirements of the Government or does not address a requirement contained herein will be evaluated based on this information or lack of information. Offerors are cautioned to submit quotes on the most favorable basis, since the Government may elect to make an award without further discussions or negotiations. Award shall be made to the offeror submitting the lowest priced technically acceptable offer. Offerors shall include completed copy of FAR provision 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, with its offer. The clause at 52,212-4, Contract Terms and conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. FAR clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and includes the following FAR clauses: FAR 52.222.26, Equal Opportunity; FAR 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Special Disabled and Vietnam Era Veterans; FAR 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era; FAR 52.225-3, Buy American Act-Supplies; FAR 52.225-18, European Community Sanctions for End Products; and, FAR 52.225-21, Buy American Act-NAPHTHA Implementation Act-Balance of Payments Program. FAR clause 52.212-7, Option for Increased Quantity--Separately Priced Line Item, applies to this acquisition. FAR clause 52.217-5, Evaluation of Options, applies to this acquisition. Interested parties shall submit a quote and information pertaining to this requirement, which includes but should not be limited to, the 11 items outlined in FAR 52.212-1(b) and information which responds to the requirements set forth in this announcement, to NIST, Acquisition and Assistance Div., Bldg 301, Rm B117, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, ATTN: Diane Loeb, Solicitation No.: 53SBNB6C9198. Quotes and information pertaining to this requirements must be received by 3:00 p.m. EST August 16, 1996. Responses received at the address specified for the receipt of quotes and information after the exact time specified for receipt of offers will not be considered. For information regarding this solicitation contact Diane Loeb, Contract Specialist, telephone number (301)975-6399 or FAX (301)963-7732. (0220)

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