Notice of Intent-Sole Source

Subject: Laser Displacement Sensor System Reference Number: NB733060-15-03579 Notice Type: Notice of Intent - Sole Source The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acquisition Management Division, on behalf of the NIST Information Technology Laboratory, Advanced Network Technologies Division, intends to purchase a Laser Displacement Sensor System from Micro-Epsilon, on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR Subpart 13.106-1 (b), Soliciting from a Single Source. The National Fire Research Laboratory (NFRL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducts experimental research on large fires and structural response to fire. To fulfil its mission, the NFRL requires reliable and accurate measurement of displacements to characterize the performance of test specimens as well as for experimental control. Traditional technologies for displacement measurement are of limited use in severe fire environments due to the presence of open flames and high specimen temperatures. The NFRL seeks to acquire non-contact laser-based displacement sensors which will permit measurements in this harsh environment. Our objective is to procure a system of measurement-grade (high precision and accuracy), displacement sensors that use triangulation of blue spectrum lasers or laser time-of-flight principles. These functional principles are believed to be most suitable for use through open flames. Blue lasers (wavelength around 405 nm) in particular are less sensitive to error caused by radiation emitted in the red spectrum than the more commonly used red lasers. Time-of-flight lasers can be deployed effectively where large (> 1 m) standoff distances are required. Micro-Epsilon offers both high-precision, large standoff distance, blue laser measurement sensors (ILD 1710-1000BL) and high-precision time-of-flight lasers (ILR 1182-30) that fulfil all NIST requirements. Micro-epsilon has a US Patent (US 8,810,778 B2) for the use of blue laser light to measure on hot or glowing materials, which encompasses our application. In addition, Micro-Epsilon holds a US patent (US 8,810,778 B2) for a: "Sensor for optically measuring at least one of a range, a position, and a profile on an object that is to be measured, the measured object emitting electromagnetic radiation due to a temperature above 700c of the object to be measured..., wherein the wave length is less than or equal to 432nm.", which encompasses our application for the blue triangulation lasers. Knowingly sourcing blue (405nm) lasers for this purpose from another source would be in violation of this patent. This single source also reduces the additional unknown costs of attempting to integrate unknown systems with the existing NIST Data Acquisition System. The NAICS Code is 423490. NIST anticipates awarding a firm-fixed-price purchase order to Micro-Epsilon, for this requirement. Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST to provide the Laser Displacement Sensor System necessary may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing on or before June 26 2015 3:00 pm eastern time. This notice of intent is not a solicitation. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether competitive procedures could be used for this acquisition. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to Tset Wong at tset.wong@nist.gov.