National Institute of Standards & Technology, Acquisition & Assistance Div., Bldg. 301, Rm B117, Gaithersburg, MD 20899

66 -- SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPE SYSTEM SOL 53SBNB860015 DUE 032098 POC Patrick Staines, Contract Specialist, (301) 975-6335 WEB: NIST Contracts Homepage, http://www.nist.gov/admin/od/contract/contract.htm. E-MAIL: NIST Contracts Office, Contract@nist.gov. Amendment 0002 lists the questions and the National Institute of Standards & Technology's response to those questions, so that all interested parties could have this information provided. The questions and responses are as follows: (QUESTION)Can I prepare a response for only one item in the solicitation? (RESPONSE) It is the Government's intention to make a single award. (QUESTION) Is the end user interested in qualitative or quantitative (i.e. using the measured load displacement data) measurements of the mechanical properties of the analyzed samples? Are quantitative measurements required for any of the following mechanical properties: hardness, elastic modulus, scratch resistance, adhesion, fracture toughness, or friction? (ANSWER) We are interested in quantitative measurements of surface mechanical response, including hardness, elastic modulus, scratch resistance, and adhesion. (QUESTION) Dynamic range: What is the range of interest for the nanoindenter load force and indentation depths? (ANSWER) We would require a force range from approximately 100 micro-newtons down to approximately 0.1 micro newtons. We also require an indentation depth range down to 10 nano-meters or less. (QUESTION) How important is measurement reproducibility? (ANSWER) Measurement reproducibility is extremely important for this type of testing. (QUESTION) Sample size: What is the maximum size of the samples for measurement? (ANSWER) Sample size must not be a significant limitation. The system must be capable of handling samples of at least 4 inches in diameter. (QUESTION) How many indenter/scratch tips are required? (ANSWER) At least 1 indenter/scratch tip is required. The revised response date is 3PM EST, March 20, 1998 as indicated in amendment 0001 issued March 13, 1998. For information, call the POC identified above. (0076)

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