NOTICE OF INTENT

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division, has a requirement for a state-of-the-art Line Resonance Analysis (LIRA) time and frequency domain reflectometry instrument. Recent technical literature reviews highlighted the LIRA device as the only device available for detecting and locating incipient faults in an electrical system. The LIRA Unit transmits sinusoidal signals down a cable and detects changes in the cumulative phase shift of the output (via dielectric constant change) whenever the electric pulse encounters a defect or a short in the electrical cable. Knowing the time that the signal was reflected and the severity of the deformation in the sinusoidal waves provides quantitative information of both location of the defect and its intensity. This equipment will give NIST unique measurement capabilities for assessing the reliability of electrical networks (e.g., electrical cables, sensors, and feedback control devices) prior to their installation in the field. Key features of the apparatus: - Non-destructive cable insulation condition monitoring test - Portable Test - User-friendly operated apparatus, including an AC/DC power supply - Performs testing on a wide variety of cable types (power, control, and instrumentation), sizes (nominal overall diameters from 5mm to 55mm), multi-segment systems and all voltages (<1kV to >34kV) - Only one access point needed for measuring - Includes hardware and software for easy system calibrations and field calibrations checks Specifications The portable line resonance analysis tester shall include: - Battery controlled main control unit: 100 Ms/s Arbitary Waveform Generator (AWG) and controller Frequency range: > 5 MHz 100 Ms/s, 2 channel digitizer - Two removable 7A hour lithium ion batteries - Battery Charger - External AC/DC power supply with AC power cord Accessories to the main control unit include Spare fuses Foam lined special containers for shipping and storage of apparatus and/or to facilitate equipment transport - Data acquisition device and data analysis software for performing LIRA test and storing information (parameters) about test. Software includes ability to export LIRA test results into programs such as Window Excel The cumulative phase shift of the input impedance, due to the permittivity change in the insulation, is used as the condition indicator (CI) for aging and small defects. Amplitude change is used to account for larger effects. Permittivity change sensitivity: +/-0.1% of initial value - 10/100 Ethernet cable from main control unit to portable acquisition device - USB connection for easy file transfer - Built-in report generator for on-site reports - Operations, calibration, and maintenance manual - One year full warranty on equipment and software - Site equipment and software license for use of the system at NIST site - Certification and training at vendor location NIST intends to solicit, negotiate and award a sole source Purchase Order to Fauske & Associates, LLC located in Burr Ridge, IL under the authority of FAR 6.302-1(a)(2). The NAICS Code associated with this requirement is 334515. The small business size standard is 500 employees. Interested parties capable of responding to the requirement may submit a capability statement specifically identifying their ability to meet this requirement. Responses are due in writing by email to the attention of Desiree Blakey at desiree.blakey@nist.gov by 2:00 pm Eastern Time, Tuesday August 27, 2013. Responses will be reviewed solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No solicitation document is available. This Notice of Intent does not constitute a request for competitive proposal or a request for competitive quote. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed acquisition following consideration of responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. See Attached NIST Form 492 - Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition for Sole Source Justification.