H--Testing services of eye protection products.

This Sources Sought is being issued for planning purposes only. The intent of this notice is to identify business concerns capable of performing the requirements described below. This is not a solicitation. Responses to this notice are not considered as offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Natick Contracting Division will not be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties responding to this sources sought. The Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), Natick Contracting Division, Natick, MA, in support of the US Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center, is seeking sources who are capable of providing services for testing of eye protection products. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this effort is 541380 - Testing Laboratories and the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard is 500 employees. The service required will consist of performing, and reporting results of, testing on eye protection devices. The primary types of devices to be tested are protective spectacles and goggles (with or without a prescription lens carrier). Other devices, such as faceshields and gas masks, may also be tested. The types of testing to be performed include: Ballistic fragmentation impact testing (Vo and V50); ANSI Z87.1 testing; Luminous transmittance; Neutrality; Chromaticity; Ultraviolet absorption; Chemical resistance; Abrasion resistance; Optical distortion; Temperature; Solar radiation; Humidity; Adhesion; Flammability; Variable transmittance characterization, and other testing related to eye protection devices. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with the Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP) System Performance Specification (MIL-PRF-32432), or equivalent eye protection related specification, and associated test methods/standards (to include ANSI Z87.1), as well as with MIL-STD-662 - V50 Ballistic Test for Armor, unless otherwise specified. Testing of variable transmission lenses may be required. Characterization over time shall be required for these products, and test temperature may vary. 1. The switching time and associated response curve (as it relates to the light transmittance of the product) over time shall be characterized. Testing shall be conducted at 68 F ( 10 F), or as specified by customer, on three samples. Temperature at which the test is conducted shall be recorded for reporting purposes. 2. For slower transitioning products, such as photochromic lenses, the visible light transmittance of the device shall be measured, plotted (transmittance vs. wavelength) and recorded in the clear state (t0). Once clear state measurements are completed, samples shall be exposed to a solar simulator (with xenon arc lamp) to transition the lens to its dark state. The behavior of the device under test shall be monitored and recorded at least every second as it transitions from the clear to dark state, and the response curve plotted over time, until the device has stabilized (at least two minutes) (t1). The visible light transmittance of the device shall be measured, plotted (transmittance vs. wavelength) and recorded at t1. The solar simulator shall then be removed and the device allowed to return to its clear state. The behavior of the device under test shall be monitored and recorded at least every second for the first five minutes, then at least every 5 minutes thereafter, as the device transitions from the dark to clear state, and the response curve plotted over time (at least 30 minutes). The visible light transmittance of the device shall be measured, plotted (transmittance vs. wavelength) and recorded in the clear state (t30). Transmittance data shall cover the range from 380 to 780nm. 3. For faster transitioning products, such as electronically switchable technologies, the visible light transmittance of the device shall be measured, plotted (transmittance vs. wavelength) and recorded in the clearest state (t0). Once clear state measurements are completed, the device shall be switched to its darkest state. The behavior of the device under test shall be monitored and recorded at least every 10th of a second as it transitions from the clear to dark state, and the response curve plotted over time, until the device has stabilized (t1). The visible light transmittance of the device shall be measured, plotted (transmittance vs. wavelength) and recorded at t1. The device shall then be switched back to its clearest state. The behavior of the device under test shall be monitored and recorded at least every 10th of a second as it transitions from the dark to clear state, and the response curve plotted over time, until the device has stabilized (t2). The visible light transmittance of the device shall be measured, plotted (transmittance vs. wavelength) and recorded in the clear state (t2). Transmittance data shall cover the range from 380 to 780nm. 4. All recorded transmittance values, and times to transition from clear to dark states (and vice versa) shall be included as part of the report. Chromaticity and neutrality values for each state shall also be included. A graph of the transition behavior that allows the transmittance of the device at any given point in time to be easily identified shall be provided for each graph depicting transition from clear-to-dark and from dark-to clear states. Based on the data collected for each graph, a table that depicts percent transmittance (in increments of 5%) and the time taken to reach that transmittance level shall be provided (with the initial clear or dark state recorded as 0 seconds). A description of the test apparatus, equipment name/manufacture/models used, block diagram of the test setup, and test procedures followed, shall also be included. The Government anticipates issuing a solicitation for a Firm-fixed-price Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) service contract, with a thirty-six (36) month ordering period, to perform testing of eye protection devices. The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards. A Performance Work Statement will be available when the solicitaation is posted on the Federal Business Opportunities web site at http://www.fbo.gov and the Natick Contracting Division website at https://www3.natick.army.mil . Paper copies will not be available. Once a solicitation is posted, it is incumbent upon the interested parties to visit these sites frequently for any updates/amendments to any and all documents. There is no anticipated datr for release of a solicitation at this time. All prospective contractors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) database in order to be eligible for award. Interested parties responding to this sources sought request shall submit the following information at a minimum: (a) A positive statement of interest to submit a proposal as a prime contractor on a future solicitation for this service; (b) Company name and address, point of contact with phone number, DUNS number and Cage Code; (c) Provide a copy of the certificate issued by the SBA of your qualifications as a HUBZone Small Business or 8(a) firm (if applicable), and a statement regarding small business designation and status (if applicable); (d) Description of test facilities to include: verification that the necessary equipment and personnel are on hand, and equipment is calibrated and operable; environmental controls are in place to ensure all tests are performed in a standard atmosphere of 68 F ( 10 F) and 50% ( 10%) relative humidity (unless otherwise specified in the test methodology); location of test equipment (it is desired that all testing be performed at one location to mitigate logistics and minimize travel associated with tests the Government may wish to witness). (e) Evidence that the company is accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) or equivalent for conducting testing in accordance with ANSI Z87.1. (f) Evidence of at least three (3) recent and relevant experiences for work similar in type and scope to include contract numbers, project titles, dollar amounts, percent of work performed, description of work performed (to include military specifications, purchase descriptions, and/or military test requirements tested to, for eyewear), and points of contact with current telephone numbers. Experience shall be specifically for testing of protective eyewear spectacle and goggle products in accordance with US military contracts, specifications, and/or purchase descriptions for protective eyewear. This is a market research tool being used to determine the availability and adequacy of potential business/small business sources prior to final determination of the method of acquisition and issuance of an award. Interested parties should indicate interest to the Contracting Officer, in writing as early as possible, but no later than 3:30PM EDT on Friday, June 7, 2013. Electronic submissions are required. Submit electronic copies to contact@example.gov . This market research is for informational and planning purposes only. The Government will not pay any costs for responses submitted. Failure to submit all information requested may result in a contractor not being considered as an interested party. All service-disabled veteran owned small businesses, certified HUBZone small businesses, certified 8(a) small businesses, and women-owned small businesses are encouraged to respond. Upon review of industry response to this sources sought synopsis, the Government will determine whether set-aside acquisition in lieu of full and open competition is in the Government's best interest.