USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604

66 -- RESEARCH GRADE CAPILLARY RHEOMETER SOL 5114-8-3087 DUE 081498 POC Lori J. Houghton, Contracting Officer, 309-681-6616 The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Midwest Area, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR), Peoria, IL has the requirement for a Research Grade Capillary Rheometer. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation No. 5114-8-3087 is being issued as a Request for Proposals. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-05. The solicitation is 100% set-aside for small businesses. Standard Industrial Classification Code 3826 with a corresponding size standard of 500 employees applies to qualify as a small business. CLIN (Contract Line Item Number) 0001: Rheometric Scientific Part No. ACER-2000 with 20 MM Barrel Capillary Extrusion Rheometer, or approved equal, 1 each; CLIN 0002 Rheometric Scientific Part No. ESM-100, Extrudate Swell Monitor, or equal: 1 each; CLIN 0003 Rheometric Scientific Part No. SFM 200, Slit-Die Flow Monitor, or equal: 1 each; CLIN 0004 Rheometric Scientific Part No. ACER-20-2D-90E-SET, Die Set, 2 MM 0 degree Entrance Angle or equal: 1 each; CLIN 0005 Rheometric Scientific Part No. ACER-20-1D-90E-SET, Die Set, 1 MM 0 degree Entrance Angle, or equal, 1 each. CLIN 0006 Rheometric Scientific Part No. ACER-PT-30000, 30,000 PSI Pressure Transducer, or equal, 1 each; CLIN 0007 Rheometric Scientific Part No. ACER-PT-15000; 15,000 PSI Pressure Transducer, or equal, 1 each. Salient characteristics "equals" must meet: The system must have: Pressure Transducers: 10, 20, 35, 70, 100, and 210 MPa available, 70 MPa standard. 100 kN Load Cell: Monitors load on the piston used to extrude the material. Barrel Diameter: 20 mm, 300 mm length nominal. Temperature Range: Ambient to 400C. Piston Speed (mm/min.): 1000 Max, 0.005 Min. Maximum Pressure: 210 MPa, 30,000 PSI. Maximum Testing Force: 60 KN. Working Volume: around 100 mL. Apparent Shear Stress Range (MPa): 0.0006 to 10 MPa. Apparent Shear Rate Range (1/s): 0.02 to 1,975,300. Apparent Viscosity Range: nominally 10,000,000 to 3 Poise. Dies: ability to easily switch dies. Dies should include slit-die facility; ability to measure extrudate swell is desirable. Software: Instrument must be computer controlled with analysis software for standard corrections (Bagley, etc.). The ability to calculate true shear rate and viscosity is required. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, and FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items apply to this acquisition. The FAR Clauses listed above may be viewed at http://www.arnet.gov/far/ Proposals will be evaluated on price, past performance, and proof of meeting the salient characteristics listed above. Companies proposing "equals" must submit descriptive literature. Offerors are to provide a list of companies/government agencies of which the offeror has sold similar equipment. The list should include company name, point of contact with phone number, dollar value, and date of delivery. Past performance and price will be evaluated equally. Offers to include a commercial warranty for equipment. Payment terms may be negotiated, however advanced payments are not authorized. Equipment will be shipped FOB Destination to: National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR), 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604. Delivery of equipment to be within 12-14 weeks after receipt of award. Offer must include a 30 calendar day acceptance period. Offers are to be received Not Later than the Close of Business, August 14, 1998 at USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604. The POC for this acquisition is Lori J. Houghton, (309) 681-6616, or E-Mail: houghtol@ars.usda.gov Posted 07/29/98 (W-SN229769). (0210)

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