REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT - X-RAY MICROSCOPE SYSTEM

N0016421SNB28 - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT - X-RAY MICROSCOPE SYSTEM - FSC 6640 - NAICS 334516 Issue Date: 02 February 2021 - Closing Date: 17 February 2021 - 12:00 PM EDT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) /SOURCES SOUGHT: The Government is issuing this RFI as part of a market research to determine the availability of sources to provide a fully operational X-Ray Microscope (XRM) system capable of performing high resolution 3D x-ray tomography on state-of-the-art microelectronics devices and assemblies, at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane, IN. The Government intends to award a sole source contract to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC, One N Broadway, White Plains, NY 10601. This effort will be conducted on a sole source basis in accordance with the statutory authority 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1. The basis for restricting competition is Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the only responsible source capable of satisfying the agency's requirements and no other type of supplies will satisfy agency requirements. The purpose of this requirement is to procure an XRM system at NSWC Crane. The XRM shall include ALL of the following: General The XRM X-ray beam generation shall be controlled by either a removable key, easily accessible by the operator, or password protected software. The system must comply with Title 21 CFR 1020.40 for cabinet X-Ray systems. The system, as specified hereafter, shall be commercially available for procurement as of 1-January 2021 with no additional product development required. Installation System must functionally fit within floor space of 159 inches x 123 inches. System must travel through an opening of 70.5 inches wide and 83.25 inches tall for final installation. Installed system shall not weigh more than 6000lbs. System shall be powered through a single 200-240V, 30A, single phase, three wire (L1-L2-G) receptacle. No hardwired connection XRM HardwareSteel Cabinet that includes at a minimum: Lead lined framework with interlocked access doors. Casters and leveling feet to allow for ease of movement and stable installation. Internal housing of all X-ray generating equipment peripherals. Integrated internal thermal management. X-Ray On warning indicator lights. Interior lighting for sample mounting. Interior camera used for sample location/placement. 24 LCD monitor (Minimum). X-Ray source that includes:Sealed Transmission Tube. Demonstrated capability to withstand frequent and unexpected power outages without system degradation without the use of an external uninterruptable power supply (UPS). Operating Voltage Range (Minimum): 30 to 160kV. Power Rating: 25W (Minimum). CT Sample Manipulator that includes at a minimum: 4-axis motorized sample stage. Precision turntable with 360 degree continuous rotation. 25kg load capacity. Capability for independent motion of at least: 45mm in the x direction. 90mm in the y direction. 45mm in the z direction. 18 position (minimum) automated filter changer with options for custom filters. Capability for automated and fully integrated multi-sample loading system to include at a minimum: Automated (unattended) sample change to allow for overnight or multi-day system utilization without operator interaction. Minimum capacity of 60 independent samples. Applicable sample holders. X-Ray Area Detectors that include:Optical scintillator objective detector system to allow concurrent geometric and optical magnification that includes: In-line scintillator to convert X-Ray energy to light for optical magnification. At least four optical objectives covering a minimum range of 0.4x to 40x that magnify the light output of the scintillator. 2k x 2k pixel high resolution 16 Bit CCD detector (minimum). Flat panel detector system: 6MP Flat Panel (3072 x 1944) or better. Automated stage shifter to switch between optical scintillator objective system and flat panel detector system. Capability for concurrent geometric and optical magnification of large samples up to 300mm in diameter with field of view from 6.5mm x 6.5mm to 140mm x 165mm. Demonstrated capability to resolve internal microstructure of 125'm diameter (maximum) solder bumps under a flip-chip device mounted to a 100mm x 150mm (minimum) PWB assembly. System Control and Data AcquisitionProgrammable controller and software to control X-Ray source that includes at a minimum: Windows 10 based workstation. Fully integrated software operation and control of X-Ray source, sample stage, and data acquisition: Live image Averaged image Save image Load image Contrast and Brightness adjustment Password protection to prevent unauthorized use of XRM system. X-Ray source operational timer. Interlock state display. Automated vertical and horizontal projection stitching to increase high resolution field of view for large samples. Capability to adjust projection spacing to optimize for high aspect ratio samples. Capability to establish an executable scan recipe within the control software for repetitive samples. Capability to establish a digital no-contact region around a sample to prevent accidental contact with XRM components during manipulation. Capability to support and control at least 60 automated (unattended, no operator intervention after setup) sample changes and tomography scans. Minimum Achievable Voxel Size: 40nm. Minimum Achievable Spatial Resolution: 500nm. Capability to enable auto-focus, auto-defocus and focus trim. Capability to measure radiation energy from at least 30keV to 160keV. Capability to enable auto conditioning of tube. Capability to enable X/Y beam steering with modulation. Image contrast features must include the following at a minimum:Absorption contrast using absorption of x-rays to create contrast and propagation phase contrast using refraction of x-rays to create contrast. Demonstrated capability to resolve and differentiate base and emitter top-down aluminum metallization pattern on intact 2N2907AUBC transistor. Demonstrated capability to resolve and differentiate base and emitter aluminum metallization from silicon substrate in virtual tomography cross-section of intact 2N2907AUBC transistor. Tomography Data Reconstruction and Visualization 3D tomography image reconstruction software that is equivalent to or exceeds the performance of VG Studio MAX 3.4.3 Basic Edition. Computer based reconstruction workstation meeting recommended performance specifications for VG Studio MAX 3.4.3 Basic Edition to efficiently process XRM data output but including at a minimum: Windows 10, 64-bit Dual Ten Core Processors 128 GB RAM Dual Professional-class 3D Graphics Processing Units 8 TB of physical hard drive storage with RAID-5 30"" monitor, mouse and keyboard. 5-Port Gigabit Switch and Cables for data transfer between acquisition computer and reconstruction computer Data output option compatible with VG Studio MAX 3.4.3 Basic Edition. Future System Upgrade XRM system shall be upgradeable and extendible for field-conversion to the latest hardware and software up to and including that developed for a subsequent model of the subject XRM system.Demonstrated through either: Verifiable field-conversion software and hardware upgrades of existing fielded systems. System literature dated prior to 1-January 2021 verifying modular system design with stated intent to support software and hardware upgrade and conversion of fielded systems. Installation, Setup, SupportOn-site installation and setup of XRM system shall be performed by a qualified representative of XRM manufacturer. On-site support must be provided by a US citizen with clear background. A minimum of 3 days on-site training for operators shall be provided after installation and setup of system. Technical Support/Maintenance Agreement: The contractor shall be able to provide unlimited phone support. The contractor shall include in any maintenance agreements phone support. within 4 hours and on-site support within 48 hours. The contractor shall include in any maintenance agreements a minimum of 1 preventive maintenance (PM) visit per year. The contractor shall include in any maintenance agreements unlimited emergency repair visits per year. The contractor shall include in any maintenance agreements free replacement of all non-consumable parts. The contractor shall not include in any maintenance agreements replacement of consumable parts. On-site support must be provided by a US citizen with clear background. Warranty: The system shall be covered by the manufacturer's standard parts and labor commercial warranty for a minimum of one year after acceptance. In accordance with Department of Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) Procedures, Guidance, and Information (PGI) 206.302-1, the Government is accepting information from companies potentially capable of meeting the requirements as described above. Responses should include availability, budgetary cost estimate, and lead time of the solution, as well as, whether a demonstration unit can be provided to expedite the decision making process. All interested parties are encouraged to submit company and product literature, a white paper no longer than two pages in length, and/or other pertinent information, such as a description with performance parameters and a statement of current availability, summary of prior testing, test reports, a budgetary estimate of test articles, production units, production quantity breaks, mitigate the reason why the Government should not procure this effort on a sole source basis as stated above, and /or identify other Government contracts with similar efforts for the Government(s) consideration. Responses to the Market Survey shall include the following: Submitter's Name Street Address, City, State, Zip Code Business Size Point of Contact (POC) POC Telephone Announcement Number: N00164-21-Q-GM74 Contractors must be properly registered in the Government System for Award Management database (SAM). Contractors may obtain information on SAM registration and annual confirmation of requirements by calling 1-866-606-8220, or via the internet at www.sam.gov. At the current time, NO FUNDING IS AVAILABLE for contractual efforts. This RFI/sources sought does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Quote (RFQ), or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and it should not be construed as a commitment of any kind by the government to issue a formal solicitation or ultimately award a contract. The US Government is in no way liable to pay for or reimburse any companies or entities that respond to this announcement. Any costs incurred by interested companies in response to this announcement will NOT be reimbursed. Market Survey information may be submitted to the Point of Contact any time prior to the expiration of this announcement. The Point of Contact for this effort is Mr. Conner Meek at conner.meek@navy.mil. The subject line of the email should include the RFI number (N0016421SNB28) and the respondent's name. If any part of the submittal is classified, please contact the POC for appropriate submission information. All information marked as proprietary information will be safeguarded to prevent disclosures to non-government personnel and entities. Your interest in the response is appreciated.