Asphalt Binder Cracking Device (ABCD) System

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) intends to issue a single source award to EZ Asphalt Technology, LLC of 7245 Edgewood Lane, Athens, OH 45701 USA to procure an Asphalt Binder Cracking Device (ABCD) system. The Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) has a need to evaluate laboratory equipment that is capable of determining the critical cracking performance of asphaltic materials at low temperatures. GSL has identified the ABCD system for advanced laboratory characterization of underperforming asphaltic materials under extreme weather conditions (low temperatures of - 60'C). GSL is engaged in ongoing research with the U.S. Army and Air Force that requires advanced laboratory characterization of asphaltic materials at extreme weather conditions (Low temperatures of -60'C). The ABCD system brand product offers solid capabilities for conducting state-of-the-art research in the area of cracking characterization of asphalt binders at extreme weather conditions. The ABCD system is a unique and powerful solution for modern research in the area of asphalt pavement materials. The ABCD system by EZ Asphalt Technology, LLC provides a complete solution to improving the quality of asphalt materials with the ultimate objective of solving current issues with underperforming asphalt pavements at low critical temperatures. Based upon market research, no other brands with the same capability exist. The ABCD system was found to be the only system that is capable of determining the low temperature cracking performance of asphalt binders at extreme temperature conditions. Additionally, the customized ABCD system enables straightforward maximization of the hardware's testing and computational capabilities. Further, the Asphalt Binder Cracking Device (ABCD) system is manufactured and distributed solely by EZ Asphalt Technology, LLC. Therefore, it is necessary to procure this equipment on a sole source basis. The award will be issued in accordance with FAR 13.106(b)(1)(i). The applicable North American Industrial Classification System Code (NAICS) code is 334515 Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals with a small business standard of 750 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. Respondents to this notice must provide: the manufacturer's part numbers for offered products; product specifications; statement as to whether offered products are commercially available; warranties offered on the products; and lead time for delivery. Any offeror shall be required to register in the Government's System for Award Management (SAM) at www.SAM.gov. Respondents must provide their full legal name; authorized contact's name, title, email and phone number; legal address; link to registration in www.SAM.gov; and their firm's business size declaration as well as the firm's socio-economic status, if any (e.g. Large Business, Small Busines, Women-Owned Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, etc.). Respondents must also provide a description of their past experience in fulfilling requirements, which are the same or similar to this requirement, and provide 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 Lisa Bucci in writing at Lisa.Bucci@usace.army.mil. The SAM.gov posting number shall be included in the subject line of the e-mail submission. Responses must be received no later than 5:00PM CST February 14, 2022.