National Institute of Standards & Technology, Acquisition & Assistance Div.,100 Bureau Drive Stop 3572, Bldg. 301, Rm B117, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-3572

66 -- AUTOMATED X-RAY POWDER DIFFRACTION SYSTEM SOL 53SBNB960100 DUE 072399 POC Brenda K. Lee (301) 975-6394 WEB: NIST Contracts Homepage, http://www.nist.gov/admin/od/contract/contract.htm. E-MAIL: NIST Contracts Office, Contract@nist.gov. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to procure a Automated X-Ray Powder Diffraction System using simplified acquisition procedures, under the authority of the test program for certain commercial items cited in FAR Surpart 13.5, Test Program for Certain Commercial Items. 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. Quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation 53SBNB960100 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-11. The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code is 3844. This action is unrestricted. This is a brand name or equal. Brand name or equal description is intended to be descriptive, but not restrictive and is to indicate the quality and characteristic of products that will be considered satisfactory to meet the agency requirement. The Contract Line Item Number (CLIN), quantities, and unit of issues are as follows: CLIN 0001, 1 each Automated X-Ray Powder Diffraction System to include the following: 1) Bruker D-8 vertical theta/theta System -- Stock #7KP2025-FX140; 2) D8-V19: D8 Counter Balance; 3) D8-3E: Tube Housing; 4) D8-R16: Short Anode Ceramic LFF X-Ray Tube; 5) D8-P02: Variable Divergence Slit Assembly; 6) D8-P11: Short Spacer for Incident Beam Qptics, 214 mm Height; 7) D8-T01: Standard Sample Stage; 8) D8-S02: Variable Antiscatter Slit Assembly; 9) D8-B31: 4 Degree High-Intensity Optics; 10) D8-T04: 9-Position Multiple Sample Changer for D8; 11) D8-T25: Accessory Kit for 9-Position Multiple Sample Changer; 12) D8-T31: Set of 9 Specimen Holders, Steel; 13) D8-S26: Long Spacer for Optics, 214 mm Height; 14) D8-S05: Diffracted Beam Monochromator Curved for Cu-Ka; 15) D8-S29: Spacer for Detector,214 mm Height; 16) DB-B05: Ni Filter to Eliminate Diffracted Cu-K beta Radiation; 17) D8-B02: Set of Fixed Detector Slits; 18) D8-D01: Dynamic Scintillation Detector, Nal; 19) 842-066300: D8 Diffractometer System Controller; 20) 862-059600: Individualized Training in Madison for XRF and XRD (powder); 21) 862-057700: Water to Water Refrigerated Heat Exchanger, Dual Pump; 22) D8-T02: Rotating Sample Stage; 23) 7KP72008AC: Diffrac Plus Search; 24) 071-003201: Front-loading Sample Holder for Standard Sample Stage; 25) 071-002901: Side-loading Sample Holder for Standard Sample Stage; 26) 071-003001: Zero Background Sample Holder made of Quartz for Standard Sample Stage; 27) D8-B31: 4 Degree High-Intensity Optics. CLIN 0002 The Government requires one (1) set of operation and maintenance manuals and the hardware manual. CLIN 0003 Installation: The Government requires on-site installation to be performed by a field service engineer. CLIN 0004 The Government requires acceptance testing to be performed by a field service engineer. The contractor shall perform a capability demonstration after installation and set-up. The capability demonstration shall demonstrate performance using NIST SRM 1976 for relative intensity and SRM 660 for 2-theta zero setting. The contractor shall demonstrate that the system meets or exceed all specifications. The system shall successfully pass the capability demonstration before final acceptance. CLIN 0005 The contractor shall provide individualized training at their Applications Laboratory. CLIN 0006 The Government requires on-site services to include maintenance and repair in a timely fashion. CLIN 0007 The Government requires a 12 month warranty on all parts and labor from date of acceptance and a 5 year warranty from date of acceptance on all parts and labor on the goniometer. Warranty shall begin when the system has passed acceptance testing. The National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) intends to obtain an Automated X-ray Powder Diffraction System consisting of the specific system configuration identified in this solicitation. Required delivery within 30 days from contract award. FAR 52.247-35 FOB Destination, Consignees Premises, Delivery location is National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 226, Room B352 Gaithersburg, MD, 20899. The provision at FAR 52-212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items are applicable to this acquisition. The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The Government will make award to one offeror. The quotation selected for award will be made to the offeror whose quote offers the best value to the Government, technical, price, and other factors considered. The Government will evaluate information based on the following criteria listed in descending order of importance. The technical factor "Meeting or Exceeding the Requirement." is worth slightly less than three-fourths of the total point score. Experience and Past Performance factors are equal in weight and are worth slightly less than one-sixth each of the total technical points. All evaluation factors other than price, when combined are significantly more important than price. 1) Meeting or Exceeding the Requirement. Evaluation of this factor will be based on the information provided in the technical quotation. Offerors shall include the manufacturer or brand name, make and model of the products, manufacturer sales literature or other product literature which addresses all salient characteristic, which clearly documents that the offered products meet or exceed the specifications stated below and meet the needs of the Government in essentially the same manner as the brand name. NIST BFRL Powder Diffractometer Configuration Requirements 1. Theta-Theta Vertical Goniometer with: a) user-adjustable goniometer circle diameter ranging from 435 to 600 mm, b) user-selectable pre-set diameters of 435, 500 and 600 mm, c) track-mounted X-ray optics that allow rapid, precise operator-handled system configuration changes, d) goniometer theta 2-theta precision of 0.0001 degree or better, e) step width theta 2-theta precision of 0.0001 degree or better, f) angular positioning utilizing stepper motors and optical encoders, g) opening in theta ring to accommodate special specimen shapes/sizes 10.2 X 25.4 cm and special specimen holding devices. 2. Microprocessor Control a) communication through a personal computer described later (item 11), b) controls goniometer, generator, sample changer, sample spinner, and all accessories, including computer-controlled alignment of goniometer and components. 3. X-Ray Optics a) Variable, computer-controlled divergence slit operable using stepper motors. Must be operable in both fixed opening and theta-coupled mode to provide a constant irradiated area on the specimen. Fixed mode operation must provide slit openings from 0.1 degree to 3.0 degrees, b) 2 degrees and 4 degrees Soller slit set that are user-changeable for the divergence slit assembly, c) variable antiscatter slit operable using stepper motors. Must be operable in both fixed opening and theta coupled mode. Must provide slit positions to accommodate a nickle K-beta filter as well as positions for fixed detector slits, d) 2 degrees and 4 degrees Soller slit set that are user-changeable for the antiscatter slit assembly, e) set of fixed detector slits to include one each of 0.05 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.6 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm, f) nickle filter to eliminate K-beta radiation, g) Diffracted beam monochromator utilizing a curved graphite crystal (Johann type) for Cu K-alpha radiation. 4. Detector a) Sodium iodide scintillation detector showing a linear count rate up to 2 x 10E6 pulses/second, b) high voltage power supply for a scintillation detector, c) linear amplifier, discriminators, and ratemeter allowing digital count rates of at least 3 x 10E7 counts-per-second, and providing user-selectable shaping time constant and pile-up correction, and base line restoration. 5. Sample Stages a) all stage assemblies must be interchangeable and easily user-changeable, andsubsequent alignment must be facilitated using supplied alignment standards and microprocessor control, b) standard sample stage accommodating standard sample mounts utilizing a high-precision positioning mechanism. Includes sample holders, glass alignment slit and quartz standard, c) rotating sample stage. Must use a computer-controlled stepper motor and include operation accessories such as sample cups, front-loading sample holders, a glass alignment slit, and a quartz alignment standard. 6. Sample Changer a) Computer-controlled multiple position sample changer capable of holding at least 8 samples, but no more than 12 samples. Changer must not interfere with user-access to the goniometer, must be easily user-changeable, and include a quartz alignment specimen and alignment slit. 7. Sample Holders a) top loading plastic holders for the standard sample stage, b) front-loading sample holder for the standard sample stage, c) side-loading sample holder for standard stage, d) zero background sample holder for standard sample stage; utilizing a specially-cut quartz crystal, e) 6 25 mm diameter and 3 40 mm diameter sample holders for the sample changer, f) 9 25 mm diameter steel sample holders. 8. X-ray Generator a) microprocessor-controlled, solid state X-ray generator of at least 3 kW X-ray with at least a kV and mA stability of 0.01% at 10% line voltage fluctuation, and operating range of 10-60 kV and 2-80 mA, b) single phase 208V, 60 hZ power, c) must provide space for expansion hardware utilizing NIM bins 9. X-ray Tube a) ceramic copper-target, long fine focus tube capable of at least a constant 2.2 kW operation and a warranty of at least 4000 hours. 10. Safety Enclosure must use only laterally-opening doors and provide an opening at least 120 cm wide and 100 cm high to provide unimpeded access across the opening to the goniometer and top working surface, b) enclosure doors must be X-ray safety glass and allow clear view of the entire goniometer, top working surface, and accessories from the laboratory when the experiment is in progress, c) safety enclosure to provide full radiation protection including double safety interlocks and warning lights for "X-rays On" and "Service Operation". 11. System Control and Data Manipulation Integrated computer control and data manipulation to include a computer with the following minimum requirements: a) Pentium II processor, 512K cache, 128 MB SDRAM, b) 400 mHZ clock speed, c) 100 mHZ FSB, d) 9 Gbyte ultra-wide SCSI-3 disk drive, e) 4Mb RAM video accelerator, f) CD-ROM, g) 100/10 TP PCI ethernet, h) 19 inches color monitor, i) 56K Modem, j) Microsoft Windows NT operating system, k) Color HP 890c printer or better, l) full system documentation. 12. Data manipulation, goniometer, and generator control software: All software must be true Windows 32-bit code and operable under Windows NT. The following requirements specific to diffractometer operation, data collection and data reduction must be provided. a) control of diffractometer, including computer-aided alignment, generator power-up and -down from a single personal computer, b) computer-control using graphical interface for operator-controlled measurement electronics adjustment, c) computer-control for scan control, allowing selection of samples (when sample changer is used), real-time display of measurement data, display of goniometer and sample changer status all run under a true multi-tasking environment, d) the system must collect and create a file of the raw data and not alter any data without operator knowledge and control. This includes, but is not limited to, goniometer calibration correction, raw data smoothing and noise filtering, detector dead-time correction, detector pulse-height shift correction, and background subtraction, e) provide graphical code for interactive data evaluation and presentation including 2-d and 3-d data presentation, interactive pan-and-zoom graphical control using the mouse, user-selectable y-scaling and y-offset, two-theta offset and sample displacement corrections, pattern addition and subtraction, background fitting and subtraction, raw data smoothing utilizing a 5- to 60-point Savitzky-Golay method, Fourier analysis of data for smoothing and intensity cut-off effects by data interpolation, K-alpha 2 peak stripping utilizing the Rachinger method, peak identification and creation of d-spacing and relative intensity files, and on-line peak integration with peak profile parameter measurement such as position, peak centroid, and half-width, f) provide code for phase quantification using standardless, internal standard, and standard addition methods, providing for peak overlap correction and zero offset correction, g) provide the output of a ASCII format data file in addition to the standard binary file, h) provide graphical code for qualitative phase analysis of both single- and multi-phase mixtures utilizing both the ICDD (International Center for Diffraction Data) PDF-2 database and a user-created database that is fully integrated with the graphical evaluation program. The search must utilize the background-subtracted full-pattern and be able to account for full-pattern information such as peak width, peak asymmetry, shoulders on peaks, and low intensity peaks. Must allow user-selectable control of the search including, but not limited to, database selection, ICDD card quality mark, ICDD subfile, two-theta offset, sample displacement, positive and negative chemical information, and preferential orientation, i) provide graphical code for interaction with the ICDD database on CD-ROM including display and printout of all patterns, provisions to create a user database from the ICDD CD-ROM data, manual input, and from our own powder diffraction data (system-processed D&I files) obtained using this system, and search capabilities based upon author, quality mark, subfile, and chemistry, j) allow batch mode processing of user-selected tasks, k) all data processing codes must include both on-line help files and hard copy manuals. 13. X-Ray Tube Heat Dissipation a) Haskris mechanically refrigerated heat exchanger utilizing a water-cooled condenser utilizing a dual pump to accomodate two X-ray diffractometer systems (max wattage, 2200 each), 208v, b) manufacturer must provide heat exchanger cooling water supply and drain hoses and all connections from heat exchanger to generator and X-ray tube of their system only. 2) Experience. The Government will evaluate this factor on the information provided in the quote that demonstrates that the offeror has developed and delivered same or similar items. 3) Past Performance. Evaluation of this factor will be based on the references provided IAW FAR 52.212-1(b)(10). (Offerors must provide a list of at least five (5) references confirming the installation and use of these units. The list of references shall include a minimum: The name of the reference contact person and the company or organization; The telephone number of the reference contact person; The contract or grant number; The amount of the contract and the address and the telephone number of the Contracting Officer if applicable; And the date services were completed. Offerors shall comply with the provision at FAR 52.212-1(b) and submit 1) Three (3) copies of quotation which addresses CLIN 0001-0007; 2) three (3) copies of technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in this solicitation and a copy of the terms and conditions of the proposed warranty; 3) Two (2) copies of the most recent published price list(s); And 4) Two (2) copies of a list of references. Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items, which may be downloaded from http://www.nist.gov/admin/od/contract/repcert.htm. The clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, and the clause at FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition, including subparagraph (1) 52.203-6 (3) 52.219-4 (5) 52.219-8, (8)(ii) 52.219-23, (11) 52.222-21 (12) 52.222-26, (13) 52.222-35, (14) 52.222-36, (15) 52.222-37, (19) 52.225-18, (21) 52.225-21(i), and 52.233.3, Protest After Award; Department of Commerce Agency Level Protest Procedures Level above the Contracting Officer, which can be downloaded from the NIST external web page, the Internet address is http://sage.ogc.doc.gov/OGC/fl/cld/car/car1333.htm. Submission shall be sent to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Acquisition and Assistance Division, Building 301, Room B117, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 3572, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, ATTN: Brenda K. Lee, Solicitation Number 53SBNB960100. Submission must be received by 3:00 p.m. EST on July 23, 1999. Faxed offers will not be accepted. Requests for a copy of a solicitation package will be disregarded. No solicitation package will be issued. If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact Brenda K. Lee at the telephone number identified above. Posted 07/08/99 (W-SN351783). (0189)

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