66 -- Scanning Vibrating probe to Monitor Electrochemical cells

(1) P Presolicitation Notice(2) November 30 (3) 2006 (5) 80840-2315 (6) 66 (7) Operational Contracting Office, 8110 Industrial Dri., USAF Academy, CO 80840-2315 (8) Scanning Vibrating Probe (SVP) to Monitor electrochemical cells (9) FA7000-07-T-0015 (10) December 8/December 15 (17). The Department of Engineering Mechanics has a requirement for the procurement of a scanning vibrating probe system to monitor electrochemical cells in aluminum alloys to understand the corrosion kinetics in aging aircraft structures. We currently do not have any system to monitor the corrosion potentials and corrosion current path in aluminum alloys. This equipment will enhance our capability to monitor corrosion in high strength aluminum alloys. Corrosion of aging aircraft is a widespread problem in the Air Force?s fleet. This equipment will add a new dimension to cadet curriculum and USAFA?s research by demonstrating the creation of electrochemical cells in aluminum alloys in a liquid electrolyte. Quantification of the current and its path will help us determine the kinetics of the reaction. This instrument will become an integral part of corrosion demonstration for cadets of EM350, EM445 and EM460 classes. This will also enable us to develop scientific basis for establishing inspection intervals to monitor corrosion in aging aircrafts. We are interested in procuring Model SVP100 system consisting of model SVP370 probe, model ECW370 system controller, model 283 potentiostat/galvanostat, GPIB connector and software from Princeton Applied Research, because of the state of the art instrumentation and controls available in this system. However any equivalent or better system meeting the following specs will help the Academy accomplish its mission: The scanning vibrating probe equipment should consist of the general capabilities: ? Be modular in design. ? Be able to measure the electrochemical activity on specimen non intrusively. ? Must be completely automated with connections to potentiostat/galvanostat and control computer. Specific technical requirements are: ? SVP unit with: o Minimum scanning capability of 12? X 12? in X-Y direction with at least 1 inch travel in z direction. o Probe resolution of at least 1 micron. o Vibration amplitude of 50 microns or higher. o Scanning speed of at least 1mm/sec. o Minimum electrochemical sensitivity of 5 ??A/cm2. o Lock-in amplifier with amplification of up to 100,000. o Minimum SVGA resolution of 800 X 600. ? Potentiostat/Galvanostat: o Fully computer controlled. o Minimum sensitivity of 1 pA and 2mV. o Scan range of at least 12V and 100 mA. o Built in IR compensation. o Computer system and related hardware to control the two systems simultaneously. A 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal acquisition will be conducted. The NAICS for this acquisition is 334519 and the size standard is 500 employees. Women owned and small disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to submit offers. This acquisition is set aside 100% for small business enterprises. The solicitation will be electronically available through this web site.