Notice of Intent to Sole Source- Combination Pore Size Analyzer, Sorption Analyzer, and Surface Area Analyzer

Active

Contract Opportunity

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) intends to issue a sole source award to Anton Paar USA, Inc. (CAGE Code: 9EKU2) to procure one (1) AutoSorb 6300 (Combination Pore Size Analyzer, Sorption Analyzer, and Surface Area Analyzer) from Anton Paar USA, Inc. The equipment being requested must be able to continuously analyze powders for microstructural pore diameter in the range of 0.35 nanometer to at least 500 nanometers with a repeatability of 0.5% or better. The equipment shall also be able to determine the chemisorption and physisorption of samples. The equipment shall be capable of performing analysis on two different materials simultaneously with two separate analyte gases, at two different analysis temperatures. This capability is a patented process that allows for high-throughput analysis of materials. The equipment must meet all of the unique specifications required by the government. The unique specifications for the equipment are as follows:

• Must not include software or hardware subscription

• Must be able to analyze two separate samples using two separate analyte gases at two separate temperatures simultaneously – patented/sole-source technology

• Two years of preventative maintenance beyond the first year for a total of three years of warranty and preventative maintenance

• Must be able to keep level of coolant consistent during measurement

• Capable of maintain minimum 90 hours of operation without operator refilling coolant dewar

• Allows filling of analysis dewar during measurement

• Capable of minimizing sample elutriation

• Compatible with alkane gas analytes (ethane, methane, propane, etc.)

• Compatible with reactive gas analytes (acetone, ammonia, etc.)

• Includes pump

• Can measure surface of powders using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method

• Includes furnace capable of reaching a minimum of 1,000 °C and 50 °C/minute ramp rate

• Includes thermal conductivity determination

• Includes capability to analyze materials up to 1” x 1” x 1” (25 mm x 25 mm x 25 mm) in a single macro-cell

• Capable of being expanded to accept a mass spectrometer at a future date

• 120V / 60 Hz electrical supply

• Footprint (WxDxH) less than 32” x 28” x 43”

• Weigh less than 400 lb

The unique characteristics stated above as well as the combination of requirements for the ability to use multiple analyte gases at separate temperatures simultaneously and the ability to evaluate a single material in parallel rather than series evaluation is a patented capability that can only be met by the AutoSorb 6300 which is manufactured by Anton Paar USA, Inc. Thus, Anton Paar USA, Inc. is the only vendor that can provide the required equipment that can meet the government’s exact specifications.

Therefore, the Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed price contract to Anton Paar USA, Inc. in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). Anton Paar USA, Inc. (CAGE Code: 9EKU2) is a large business concern under the applicable NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1000 employees. This notice of intent is for information purposes only.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals. A solicitation will not be issued. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. The information submitted must be provided in sufficient detail to demonstrate the vendor’s ability to fulfill this requirement. The contractor must also provide a description of their past experience in fulfilling requirements which are the same or similar to this requirement and references for each.

Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. Responses to this requirement may be submitted to Jennifer Hoben at Jennifer.Hoben@usace.army.mil AND David Ammermann at David.G.Ammermann@usace.army.mil no later than 3:00PM CST Tuesday, 19 November 2024.

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