Laboratory Data Acquisition and Control System

Description: The Naval Air Systems Command, Metals and Ceramics Branch (Air-4.3.4.1), Materials Engineering Division, Patuxent River, MD 20670 is hereby soliciting information about potential qualified sources to provide the materials and services necessary for Laboratory Data Control System Acquisition. The anticipated contract effort includes, but is not limited to the following: CLIN 0001 Main System: This system shall be capable of providing an integrated approach to fatigue crack growth rate testing and analysis, using the latest technology in digital signal processing and MS windows programming. This system shall interface with any closed loop servo-hydraulic mechanical test system suitably configured for fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) testing. The hardware shall consist of real time control and data acquisition processor. The time critical processes shall run independently of PC operating system. The programming language and converters shall provide real-time response within one microsecond. The system shall perform all tasks on a priority basis regardless of the PC workload. Even if the PC crashes, the system shall continue to run, maintaining control and collecting data. The PC shall access the process once it is rebooted. The software shall be written and optimized for the sole purpose of fatigue crack growth rate testing. The optimized program shall have a high degree of reliability, flexibility and ease of use for the user, and it shall support both compliance and DC potential drop methods of monitoring crack growth. The program shall include high priority processes for waveform generation, control and data acquisition. Low priority processes shall include the analysis required to determine crack growth, crack closure levels, K-control and da/dN analysis. The features of the software shall include the following: - Soft run-stop to minimize the effect of test interruptions - Crack closure measurement using opening load and compliance ratio techniques - K-control including constant Kmax - Sine, triangle or user defined waveform - Precise force control and high precision data acquisition - Digital filtering and load-displacement signal phase shift control - Data acquisition and analysis optimized according to crack growth rates - Actual maximum load and cyclic load included in the analysis data file for each data point - Both English and SI units - Upgrades available to include variable amplitude loading such as that required for simulation of aircraft flight profiles - Upgrade available to include multiple sensors (up to 16 analog inputs available) or multiple samples on a common test frame - Custom applications CLIN 0002 System Accessory: This shall include operation manuals. The manuals shall include schematic drawings of the components that are detailed enough to allow operators to perform routine maintenance. CLIN 0003 System Installation: Responding vendor shall perform installation and system checkout of the system and accessory at the buyer's facility located at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Materials Laboratory, Building 2188, Room 106, 48066 Shaw Road, Patuxent River, MD. Warranty on the described system is 12 months from the date of installation and first use by the customer. This includes all parts and labor during that year. CLIN 0004 System Training: On-site training, for a maximum of 6 people, on the use and operation of the system shall be done after the system installation and checkout is completed. CLINS 0001 - 0004 shall be done within 30 days after the contract award. The applicable NAICS code for this requirement is 334519. Submittal Information: It is requested that interested businesses submit to the contracting office a brief and complete capabilities statement package (no more than 10 pages in length, single spaced, 12 point font minimum) demonstrating ability to provide materials/services denoted above. This documentation must address, at a minimum, the following: (1) company profile to include Company Name, Address, Business Size, number of employees, annual revenue history, office location (s), DUNS number, and a statement regarding current small business status. (2) Company Point-of-Contact's (POC) Name, Phone number, Fax number and e-mail address. (3) Company's prior/current corporate experience performing efforts of similar size and scope within the last three years, including contract number, organization supported, indication of whether a prime or subcontractor, contract value, Government point of contact with current telephone number, a brief description of how the contract referenced relates to the technical services described herein. The capabilities package shall be sent by mail to contracts, Ismaela Ramirez, Naval Air Systems Command, Aircraft Support Contracts Department (2.5.1.3.3.5), 21983 Bundy Road, Unit 7, Bldg 441, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1127 or via email to ismaela.ramirez@navy.mil. Submissions must be received at the office sited no later than 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on 15 May 2008. Questions or comments regarding this notice may be addressed to Ismaela Ramirez via email with REF# N00421-08-R-0086 in the subject line (if proper subject line is not included the email may be accidentally deleted). This sources sought notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, make an award, or be responsible for any monies expended by any interested parties in support of the effort mentioned above. Information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit or award a contract. If a draft and or solicitation is released it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities website, located at http://www.fedbizops.gov. It is the potential offerors responsibility to monitor this site for the release of any follow-on information. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP). Interested small businesses are highly encouraged to submit a capability package as well as any questions, comments, or suggestions.