NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE - Illinois Tool Works, Inc. for calibration and maintenance on INSTRON Material Test Systems.

The Department of Defense, through the Army Research Laboratory, is seeking a firm fixed price contract under solicitation W911QX-23-Q-0080 for the calibration and maintenance of thirteen INSTRON Material Test Systems located at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. The scope of work involves five electromechanical frames and eight servo hydraulic frames, specifically including 5984 and 5985 series electromechanical models, as well as 88R, 8803, and 8871 series servo hydraulic models. The technical requirements encompass the calibration of twenty-five force transducers, thirteen displacement transducers, and four extensometers in accordance with NIST standards, alongside general inspection and repair services. The government intends to sole source this requirement to Illinois Tool Works, Inc., doing business as Instron Corporation. The contract structure consists of one base year and two option years, with service provided through annual visits. Managed by the W6QK Acc-Apg Adelphi office under NAICS code 541380, the agreement follows FAR Subpart 12.6 for commercial items and includes specific mandates for security, anti-terrorism operational security, and government inspection and acceptance protocols.