NASA/Ames Research Center, JA:M/S 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

66 -- ULTRAVIOLET LASER ABLATION SYSTEM SOL RFQ2-36678-SLC DUE 081198 POC Sharon L. Connolly, Contracting Officer, Phone (650) 604-6927, Fax (650) 604-4646, Email sconnolly@mail.arc.nasa.gov -- Barbara A. Drake, Contracting Officer, Phone (650) 604-3002, Fax (650) 604-4646, Email bdrake@mail.arc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/ARC/date.html#RFQ2-36678-SLC. E-MAIL: Sharon L. Connolly, sconnolly@mail.arc.nasa.gov. This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 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. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA Ames Research Center intends to purchase an Ultraviolet Laser Ablation System to assist in the analysis of meteorites and ancient geologic samples (sedimentary rocks) which are relevant to Exobiological (astrobiological) research. The remains of microorganisms and the minerals that they have affected can be very small (submillimeters in dimension). Therefore, to obtain gas samples from them for elemental and isotopic analyses, a precision sampling probe is required. It can energize and release (volatilize) samples of these biologically-relevant materials at a size scale that is required to obtain samples having the highest purity, which is required for accurate analyses. The Fully Integrated Ultraviolet Laser Ablation System required by the Government consists of one (1) each of the following components: 1) Laser ablation system with Nd: YAG laser head with 266 nm UV output. 2) High resolution, color video CCD camera with sample viewing coaxial with laser beam and with motorized video zoom. 3) Light source integrated with optics. 4) Sample chamber with adaptable volume and rapid loading. 5) Computer system and software to run ablation system, for control of beam delivery, sample observation and sample manipulation. 6) On-site system installation and one day on-the-job training. The proposed system must meet the following required technical specifications: 1) The power requirements for the system are either 120v, 60 Hz or 240v, 60 Hz, single phase. 2) The laser system shall provide energy output of at least 5 mJ and adjustable repetitive shots. Shot-to-shot reproducibility will be equal to or better than 3% RSD using single laser shots at 1 mJ laser power. 3) The laser ablation system shall allow sampling to a uniform depth, to accommodate a need for depth profiling. 4) The system optics shall allow excellent clarity and full field of view. 5) Automated variable spot size in the range 5 to more than 200 um. 6) Magnification of sample to 400X or more must be provided. 7) Automated XYZ stage should be movable at least 5 cm along both X and Y axes, have resolution finer than 1 um, and be operable either with joystick or with commands inputted through computer. The provisions and clauses in the RFQ are those in effect through FAC 97-05. This procurement is a total small business set-aside. See Note 1. The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code and the small business size standard for this procurement are 3826 and 500 employees, respectively. The quoter shall state in their quotation their size status for this procurement. All qualified responsible business sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the agency. Delivery shall be FOB destination. The DPAS rating for this procurement is DO-C9. Quotations for the item(s) described above may be mailed or faxed (fax machine capacity is limited to 12 pages) to the identified point of contact by the date/time specified and include, solicitation number, FOB destination to this Center, proposed delivery schedule, discount/payment terms, warranty duration (if applicable), taxpayer identification number (TIN), identification of any special commercial terms, and be signed by an authorized company representative. Quoters are encouraged to use the Standard Form 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items form found at URL http://procure.arc.nasa.gov/Acq/Standard_Forms/Index.html to submit a quotation. Quoters shall provide the information required by FAR 52.212-1 with the exception of (d) and (i). The Representations and Certifications required by FAR 52.212-3 may be obtained via the Internet at URL: http://ec.msfc.nasa.gov/msfc/pub/reps_certs/sats/. FAR 52.212-4 is applicable. FAR 52.212-5 is applicable and the following identified clauses are incorporated by reference: 52.222-3, 52.233-3, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, and 52.225-3. Addenda to FAR 52.212-5 are as follows: ARC 52.232-93 and Year 2000 Compliance. Questions regarding this acquisition must be submitted in writing no later than August 3, 1998. Quotations are due by 4:30pm PDST on August 11, 1998, to the attention of Sharon L. Connolly and should be mailed to NASA-Ames Research Center, M/S:241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035. Selection and award will be in accordance with FAR 52.212-2 with the following evaluation factors: (1) technical acceptability, (2) past performance, and (3) price. Technical acceptability will be determined using information submitted by the quoter in sufficient detail to show that the product quoted meets the Government's requirements. Quoters must provide copies of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items with their quote. See above for where to obtain copies of the form via the Internet. An ombudsman has been appointed -- See Internet Note "B". It is the quoter's responsibility to monitor this site for the release of amendments (if any). Potential quoters will be responsible for downloading their own copy of this combination synopsis/solicitation and amendments (if any). Hard copies may be obtained from the identified point of contact; however, the closing date is as stated in this combination synopsis/solicitation, inclusive of any amendments. Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nnotes.htm. Posted 07/24/98 (D-SN228366). (0205)

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