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FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JULY 26, 2010 FBO #3166
SOLICITATION NOTICE

66 -- Neutron Velocity Selector

Notice Date

7/24/2010
 

Notice Type

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
 

NAICS

334516 — Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
 

Contracting Office

Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301, Room B129, Mail Stop 1640, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20899-1640
 

ZIP Code

20899-1640
 

Solicitation Number

SB1341-10-RQ-0484
 

Archive Date

8/27/2010
 

Point of Contact

Carol A. Wood, Phone: 301-975-8172, Todd D Hill, Phone: 301-975-8802
 

E-Mail Address

carol.wood@nist.gov, todd.hill@nist.gov
(carol.wood@nist.gov, todd.hill@nist.gov)
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

THIS IS A COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORMAT IN FAR SUBPART 12.6-STREAMLINED PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATION AND SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS-AS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS NOTICE. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION; QUOTATIONS ARE BEING REQUESTED, AND A WRITTEN SOLICITATION DOCUMENT WILL NOT BE ISSUED. THIS SOLICITATION IS BEING ISSUED USING SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF FAR SUBPART 13.5 TEST PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL ITEMS. This solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-44. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334516 with a small business size standard of 500 employees. BACKGROUND The National Institute of Standards and Technology/Center for Neutron Research (NIST/NCNR), has developed a national facility for neutron scattering. The facility provides over fifteen unique instrument stations for use by national and international researchers for materials research. Instruments are also provided for fundamental physics research, neutron interferometry, and neutron optics. The NCNR is continuously developing new and better instruments for neutron scattering. This requirement is for a mean neutron velocity selector with narrow distribution from the broad ‘white’ distribution produced by the moderation done by a hydrogen cold source of the initially room temperature water moderated nuclear reactor’s spectrum. The neutron velocity selector (NVS) must be able to select the correct velocity range with high efficiency of transport. The required selector will be located after a neutron guide that transports the neutrons away from the reactor and the cold source. Based upon the geometry of the instrument, the velocity selector must not deflect the beam direction. For non-deflection of the beam, the velocity selection must be completed using high-speed rotation of a device that has helical channels made from neutron absorbing material, known as a helical neutron velocity selector. All quoters shall provide a quotation for all of the following line items. LINE ITEM 0001: Quantity one (1) each Neutron Velocity Selector. The neutron velocity selector must meet all of the required specifications identified herein. All equipment must be new. Used or remanufactured equipment will not be considered for award. 1) The neutron velocity selector shall be supplied as a complete, turnkey system including the neutron velocity selector, control electronics, sensors, cables, computer and software. NIST shall supply vacuum pumps, as well as electrical and chilled water services. 2) Wavelength range: 0.46 nm to 1.0 nm. The neutron velocity selector must operate uninterrupted at any wavelength within this range for a minimum of one week; 3) Acceptable bandwidth (full-width at half-maximum /): 12.5% to 14%; 4) Beam transmission at peak: 90 % at a minimum. Stronger consideration will be given to quoters whose equipment offers a beam transmission of 93% or greater; 5) Source Neutron Guide dimensions; One set of windows at either 3 or 9 o’clock location: Window minimum height: 150 mm; Window minimum width: 60 mm; 6) Neutron absorption material on blades: Boron 10 or Lithium 6; 7) For purposes of calculating bandwidth and beam transmission, the following beam divergence is required: +/- 0.0005 radians; 8) The non-rotating transmission of 0.4 nm wavelength neutrons must be < 0.001. Transmission is defined specifically for 0.4 nm wavelength neutrons, and is defined as the (number of 0.4 nm neutrons exiting)/(the number of 0.4 nm neutrons incident). Non-rotating transmission is measured when the velocity selector is not rotating, with a neutron beam incident on the neutron window; 9) Length of selector from outside of neutron window-to-window shall not exceed 500 mm. Stronger consideration will be given to quoters whose equipment offers a length less than 420mm; 10) Width of selector shall not exceed 500 mm. Stronger consideration will be given to quoters whose equipment offers a width less than 420 mm; 11) Total length of velocity selector, including motor, electrical connectors, etc. shall not exceed 800mm. Stronger consideration will be given to quoters whose equipment offers a total length less than 500 mm; 12) The software provided shall be part of the complete turnkey system. The software must be able to control the neutron velocity selector throughout its rotational speed operating range, and monitor and control based on system diagnostics. NIST requires the ability to control the NVS software from NIST’s data acquisition software. The NIST data acquisition software will communicate via a serial RS-232 connection. The Contractor shall provide the ability for NIST’s software to remotely set the speed and check the operating status of the NVS using ASCII character strings. The command string format shall be finalized in conjunction with the NIST COTR after award. 13) The NVS will be operated in an enclosed, shielded space away from personnel. NIST bears the responsibility for personnel safety shielding around the NVS in operation. 14) The Contractor shall design the entire structure of the NVS to allow for shipment of the NVS for maintenance/repair after neutron activation on a neutron beamline. NIST bears the responsibility for radiation shielding around the NVS in operation. 15) The Contractor shall deliver two hard copies and one electronic copy of the operation manual including safe operating parameters; 16) The Contractor shall deliver one complete copy of the control software on a separate CD or USB memory device. NIST does not require source codes for the software. LINE ITEM 0002: REQUIRED DESIGNS Not later than two months after award, the Contractor must submit a design package at 60% completion. Not later than 6 months after award, the Contractor must submit a design package at 100% completion. The design package at 100% shall include 2D part drawings and interface specifications. 2D drawings must be in PDF format. The interface specifications must be prepared using a format that will be agreed upon by the Contractor and the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) after award. Formats such as.doc and.pdf are anticipated. The design package at 100% shall serve as the as-built drawing for the system that will ultimately be delivered, and must include all of the following: 1) neutron window dimensions and specifications, 2) helical channel dimensional specifications, 3) neutron absorbing material specifications, 4) electrical, vacuum and cooling interface specifications, 5) Mechanical mounting interface dimensions and specifications, 6) control software interface; and 7) overall dimensions. The design package at 60% must include information on items 1 through 7 above to the degree this information exists at this point in the design. However, the overall dimensions of the velocity selector must be defined. NIST requires two weeks to review the design package at 60% completion. NIST will prepare written comments on the package that will be provided to the Contractor via e-mail or via a conference call (at NIST’s discretion). Necessary changes must be documented by the Contractor and incorporated into the design package for resubmission at 100% completion. All changes shall be made at no additional cost to the Government. NIST requires three weeks to review the design package at 100% completion. NIST will prepare written comments on the package to be provided to the Contractor via e-mail or via conference call (at NIST’s discretion). Necessary changes must be documented by the Contractor and incorporated into the design package for resubmission not later than three weeks after receipt of comments from NIST. All changes shall be made at no additional cost to the Government. At the 60% and 100% completion points, two hard copies and a soft copy shall be delivered. The Contractor shall not proceed to order parts or manufacture the equipment without the written approval of the NIST COTR of the design package at 100% completion. Approval by the Government as required above shall not relieve the Contractor of its obligation to comply with the specifications and with all other requirements of the contract, nor shall it impose upon the Government any liability it would not have had in the absence of such approval. NIST requires limited data rights for the final design. NIST requires the use of the final design in internal documentation and user manuals, and for presentations in scientific meetings. NIST will attribute the drawings to the Contractor, if the Contractor’s name is not already on the drawings. OPTION LINE ITEM Line Item 0003 is an option line item. The Contractor shall provide pricing for the option line item. The price quoted for the option line item shall remain in effect for a period of 18 months from the date of award. The Government may exercise this option line item, at its discretion, at the time of award or at any time during the period of 18 months from the date of award. Reference FAR 52.217-7 Option for Increased Quantity—Separately Priced Line Items. LINE ITEM 0003: TRAINING (OPTION LINE ITEM) The Contractor shall schedule and conduct one (1) training session for up to 4 NIST users at the contractor’s facility before delivery of the system to NIST. The training shall provide a thorough demonstration of all equipment functions, maintenance, data administration, and basic troubleshooting. NIST shall be responsible for all travel and per diem expenses. Training shall be scheduled in advance by the NIST COTR. CONTRACTOR INSPECTION OF EQUIPMENT The following test must be performed at the Contractor’s facility prior to shipment of the neutron velocity selector: The neutron velocity selector must be run at rotational speeds across the selector’s wavelength operational range to check for resonances or any other problems that would prevent the selector from meeting all required specifications. At any speed within the specified wavelength range (Reference Specification 2), the NVS must operate within its safe operating parameters. The Contractor must run the system across the entire operating range for a minimum of two days. The selector also must be run for one hour at each speed corresponding to the wavelengths 0.46 nm, 0.50 nm, 0.55 nm, 0.60 nm, 0.65 nm, 0.70 nm, 0.75 nm, 0.80 nm, 0.85 nm, 0.90 nm, 0.95 nm, and 1.00 nm. The Contractor shall submit test data to the NIST COTR prior to shipment. The test data must show all monitored sensor output including rotational speed, bearing temperature and vibration levels. The NIST COTR shall review the test data and provide written feedback to the Contractor if all specifications are not met. The Contractor shall be responsible for all rework required for the neutron velocity selector to meet all required specifications. Re-work must be completed at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor must identify the time required to complete all rework. Testing and submission of test data shall be repeated upon completion of rework. DELIVERY The Contractor must notify the NIST COTR at least 30 days before the shipping date so that arrangements can be made for final acceptance testing at NIST. 60% Design Package – 2 months after award; 100% Design Package - 6 months after award; Delivery of the Selector, final design, operation manual and copy of software – -24 months after award. Delivery terms shall be FOB Destination. The Contractor shall pack and mark the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements, deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the purchase order, be responsible for loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the purchase order; and pay all charges to the specified point of delivery. NIST personnel will unpack, install and test the equipment for final acceptance. FINAL ACCEPTANCE All work required under Line Items 0001 and 0002 must be completed. This includes delivery of the operation manual, control software, the design package at 100% and the neutron velocity selector. The system must meet all required specifications. NIST requires 60 days from delivery of all Line Item 0001 and Line Item 0002 deliverables for acceptance testing due to beamline scheduling. NIST will repeat the operational test identified under Contractor Inspection of Equipment. In addition, NIST reserves the right to test the neutron performance of the velocity selector. The parameters that may be tested on a neutron beamline include: 1) neutron transmission versus wavelength; 2) peak bandwidth (full width at half maximum); 3) non-rotating neutron transmission at 0.4 nm. The non-rotating neutron transmission test (test 3) is performed when the velocity selector is not rotating, with a neutron beam incident on the neutron windows. NIST will maintain safe operating parameters based on the manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum allowed bearing temperature, bearing condition units, vibration, or any other parameters outlined. NIST will formally accept the equipment and authorize final payment upon successful completion of delivery and demonstration of all specifications, and submission of a proper invoice from the Contractor. Payment terms shall be Net 30 Days after completion of acceptance testing by NIST. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND BASIS FOR AWARD (a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible quoter whose quotation, conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotations: 1) Technical Capability; 2) Experience, 3) Past Performance; and 4) Price. All non-price factors, when combined, shall be more important than price. Experience, Past Performance, and Price shall not be evaluated on quotes that are determined technically unacceptable in accordance with the Technical Capability Evaluation factor. Technical Capability: Evaluation of technical capability shall be based on the information provided in the quotation. NIST will evaluate whether the offeror has demonstrated that its proposed equipment meets or exceeds all minimum requirements. Documentation submitted shall be evaluated to determine: 1. That the proposed components are suitable for the neutron velocity selector and will meet the required specifications; 2 The offeror understands the factors involved in neutron velocity selectors. Specifically, neutron optics; neutron activation properties of materials; high speed rotating masses and necessary calculations for neutron absorption characteristics for the materials used in the velocity selector. In determining best value, strongest consideration will be given to quoters whose equipment: -Offers a beam transmission of 93% or greater, and/or -Offers a length from neutron window to neutron window less than 420 mm, and/or -Offers a width less than 420 mm, and/or, -Offers a total length less than 500 mm. Experience: NIST will evaluate the extent of the offeror’s experience designing, building and delivering neutron velocity selectors that are the same as or similar to the system required by this solicitation. Experience designing, building and delivering neutron velocity selectors must be demonstrated. Preference shall be given to quotations demonstrating experience designing, building, and delivering the same system required by this solicitation. Past Performance: The Government will evaluate the Offeror's past performance information and, if appropriate, its proposed subcontractors' past performance to determine its relevance to the current requirement and the extent to which it demonstrates that the offeror has successfully completed relevant contracts in the past ten (10) years. In assessing the offeror's past performance information, NIST may evaluate the quality, timeliness, and ability to control cost and schedule of the past work. Evaluation of this factor will be based on information contained in the technical portion of the quotation and information provided by references. The Government will evaluate past performance information by contacting appropriate references, including NIST references, if applicable. The Government may also consider other available information in evaluating the Offeror’s past performance. The Government will assign a neutral rating if the offeror has no relevant past performance information. Price: The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total of all contract line item (CLIN) prices, including all options, and determine whether that total is a fair and reasonable overall price to the Government in accordance with FAR 52.217-5. ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1, QUOTATION PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS a) Price Quotation: The offeror shall submit a complete price schedule. The price quotation shall be separate from any other portion of the quotation. The offeror shall propose a firm-fixed, FOB Destination pricing for each line item. Price quotations shall remain valid for a period of 90 days from the date quotations are due. b) Technical Quotation: (i) For the evaluation of Technical Capability, the quoter shall submit: (1) Technical description, product literature, documentation and/or performance statistics for all commercial components. The submissions must clearly identify the manufacturer, make, model, and part number. The quoter must demonstrate that the proposed component(s) meet(s) or exceed(s) all of the required specifications. (2) The quoter shall complete and submit a line-by-line response to each required specification which includes a citation to the relevant section of the technical description, product literature, and/or documentation. The citation must clearly demonstrate that the required specification is met; (3) The offeror shall submit a technical drawing in PDF format. The technical drawing must illustrate the technical specifications of the Contractor’s design that will allow their design to successfully meet specifications 2 through 11. (4) The offeror shall submit neutron window composition and thickness, composition and thickness of the neutron absorber used on the neutron blades, and the material composition of major structural elements of the neutron velocity selector. (ii) For the evaluation of Experience, the offeror shall submit documentation of the systems previously manufactured that are the same as or similar to that required by the solicitation. The documentation must include make and model number of the equipment provided and/or a summary of the performance specifications under which the system operates. (iii) For the evaluation of Past Performance, the offeror shall submit: Past performance information regarding relevant contracts over the past 10 years with Federal, state, or local governments, or commercial customers. If the offeror intends to subcontract with another firm(s) for part of this requirement, that firm’s past performance information shall also be provided. If the offeror has no relevant past performance, it may include a statement to that effect in its quotation. The Government reserves the right to consider data obtained from sources other than those described by the offeror in its quotation. It is recommended that approximately 3-5 contracts be referenced. The description of each contract/order described in this section shall not exceed one half page in length. For each contract/order, the offeror shall provide the following information: 1. Contract number; 2. Description and relevance to solicitation requirements including dollar value; 3. Period of Performance – indicate by month and year the state and completion (or “ongoing”) dates for the contract; 4. Reference Contact – If a non-Government contract, identify the name and address of the client with current telephone number and email address of a point of contact of the client responsible for the contract; 5. Contracting Office – If a Government contract (Federal or state), identify the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO), administrative Contracting Officer (ACO), and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and their names, current telephone numbers and email addresses. 6. Problems Encountered – include information regarding information regarding any problems encountered on the contracts described above and corrective actions taken to resolve those problems. c) This is an Open-Market Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for equipment as defined herein. The Government intends to award a Purchase Order as a result of this Combined Synopsis/Solicitation that will include the terms and conditions that are set forth herein. In order to facilitate the award process, ALL quotes shall include a statement regarding the terms and conditions herein as follows: The offeror shall state “The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition.” OR The offeror shall state “The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following: Offeror shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s) Please note that this procurement is not being conducted under the GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) program or another Government-Wide Area Contract (GWAC). If an offeror submits a quotation based upon an FSS or GWAC contract, the Government will accept the quoted price. However, the terms and conditions stated herein will be included in any resultant Purchase Order, not the terms and conditions of the offeror’s FSS or GWAC contract, and the statement required above shall be included in the quotation. d) The country of origin for the proposed equipment. e) If the quoter is not registered at www.orca.bpn.gov, a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3 OFFERORS REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS. DUE DATE FOR QUOTATIONS All quotations shall be sent to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Acquisition Management Division, Attn: Carol A. Wood, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1640, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1640. All offerors shall ensure the RFQ number is visible on the outermost packaging. Submission must be received not later than 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on August 12, 2010. FAX quotations shall not be accepted. E-mail quotations shall be accepted. Because of heightened security, FED-EX, UPS, or similar delivery methods are the preferred method of delivery of quotes. If quotes are hand delivered, delivery shall be made on the actual due date through Gate A, and a 48 hour (excluding weekends and holidays) prior notice shall be provided to Carol Wood, Contract Specialist on 301-975-8172. NIST is not responsible for late delivery due to the added security measures. In addition, quoters who do not provide 24-hour notification in order to coordinate entrance to the NIST campus shall assume the risk of not being able to deliver quotes on time. PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES The full text of a FAR provision or clause may be accessed electronically at www.acqnet.gov/far. The following provisions apply to this acquisition: 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors — Commercial; 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications — Commercial Items; 52.217-5, Evaluation of Options. In accordance with FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications — Commercial Items, offerors must complete annual representations and certifications on-line at http://orca.bpn.gov. If paragraph (j) of the provision applies, a written submission is required; The following clauses apply to this acquisition: 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items; 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items including subparagraphs: 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government; 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns; 52.219-28, Post-Award Small Business Program Representation; 52.222-3, Convict Labor; 52.222-19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies; 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans; 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities; 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans; 52.222-39 Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees; 52.225-5, Trade Agreements; 52.225-13 Restriction on Certain Foreign Purchases (E.O. 12722, 12724, 13059, 13067, 13121, and 13129; and 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer--Central Contractor Registration; 52.217-7 Option for Increased Quantity—Separately Priced Line Item The Government may require the delivery of the numbered line item, identified in the Schedule as an option item, in the quantity and at the price stated in the Schedule. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor at the time of award or at any time during the timelines specified herein. Delivery of added items shall continue at the same rate that like items are called for under the contract, unless the parties otherwise agree; 52.247-34, FOB Destination; and Department of Commerce Agency-Level Protest Procedures Level above the Contracting Officer is also incorporated. It can be downloaded at www.nist.gov/admin/od/contract/agency.htm. 1352.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY (APR 2010) The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely in the Contracting Officer. In the event the contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price. (End of clause) 1352.201-72 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) (APR 2010) (a) (TO BE IDENTIFIED AT THE TIME OF AWARD) is hereby designated as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The COR may be changed at any time by the Government without prior notice to the contractor by a unilateral modification to the contract. The COR is located at: NIST 100 Bureau Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20899 Phone Number: __________________ Email: _________________________ (b) The responsibilities and limitations of the COR are as follows: (1) The COR is responsible for the technical aspects of the contract and serves as technical liaison with the contractor. The COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract. (2) The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government or authorize any changes which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any contractor request for changes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer directly or through the COR. No such changes shall be made without the express written prior authorization of the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer may designate assistant or alternate COR(s) to act for the COR by naming such assistant/alternate(s) in writing and transmitting a copy of such designation to the contractor. (End of clause)
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOC/NIST/AcAsD/SB1341-10-RQ-0484/listing.html)
 

Place of Performance

Address: Ship to:, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20899, United States

Zip Code: 20899
 

Record

SN02217037-W 20100726/100724233306-54ab1c717fb50b66bae5f190bdc6b46b (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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