Geocomp 10K Load Frame, 600lb Load Cell S-type, Pressure and Volume control flow pump, Triaxial Software

This notice is being published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 5.101 requiring the dissemination of information for proposed contract actions. This is a special notice to announce our intent to award on a sole source basis under the authority outlined in FAR Part 13.106-1(b)(1): For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonable available (e.g. urgency, exclusive licensing agreement, brand name or industrial mobilization). The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) intends to issue a sole source, firm-fixed-price contract to Geocomp Corporation 125 Nago Park Acton, MA 01720 a small business under NAICS code 541380 (with a size standard of 14 million) for 10K capacity Load Frame with 75mm displacement sensor, 600lb Load Cell S-type, Pressure and Volume control flow pumps, Triaxial Software Module, and a PCI network card for their National Design Construction and Soils Mechanic Center in Lincoln, Nebraska (NDCSMC-Lincoln). Our lab performs a wide range of tests to determine various engineering (not agronomic) properties of soils. These tests provide site-specific information that is not available in published soil surveys. This equipment will be used for CU, UU, CUBAR , qu tests which are the most complex tests performed in our lab and directly impact the analysis of dams and other critical structures we design, construct and rehabilitate. The NDCSMC-laboratory provides soil mechanics testing and engineering analysis services for various programs of NRCS. The soil mechanics laboratories are a resource knowledge base to be used in all complex engineering related work including complex dams, diversions, dikes, sewage lagoons, waste storage structures, and other engineering structures as these play an important role in our Agency's function and emphasis areas. Our ability to provide accurate test results contributes to the NRCS' s ability to meet its strategic goals, and in particular, Goal 1 - "High quality and productive land" and Goal 2 -"Clean and abundant water". NDCSMC-Soil Mechanics laboratory proposes to procure a Geocomp LoadTrac II base with supporting apparatus, flow pump and software to determine various engineering (not agronomic) properties of soils. The NDCSMC Soil Mechanics lab in Lincoln needs to purchase a Fully Automated Triaxial Shear load frame complete with upgraded electronics and pressure transducer to replace an older existing load frame which is presently worn-out and requires significant down time for repairs. We currently have six Geocomp LoadTrac II load frames that perform testing controlled by one computer and software package. Therefore, we are requesting purchasing this equipment from the same vendor, GeoComp Corp., so that it will work in tandem with our current load frames, license software packages, computers, and equipment (load cells, regulators, cylinders, and pressure cells). This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement demonstrating the ability to provide the requested items or exception to the intent to purchase on a sole source basis, which shall be considered by the Government if received by Friday, 5 September 2014 at 11:00 a.m., local time, Fort Worth, Texas (Central Time). Written responses to this synopsis shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bonafide capability to fulfill the requirement. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. NRCS will not be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this notice. The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources as a result of this synopsis. Please email Darin Wilson at george.wilson@ftw.usda.gov with responses or questions regarding this requirement. This notice will close on 5 September 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Central Time.