Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)

Synopsis of proposed contract action for TA Instruments - Waters, LLC to manufacture a Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) capable of running in isothermal, dynamic, and modulated heating modes, and will allow for the thermogravimetric analyses of chemicals ranging from routine analytical samples to new research and development (R&D) materials. The solicitation number for this synopsis is FA9300-22-Q-6003. The Air Force Rocket Lab (AFRL) at Edwards AFB requires this instrumentation to continue making state-of-the-art materials for aerospace applications, namely for solid rocket motor components. The TGA instrument must precisely measure the mass of a sample as a function of heat and/or time allowing for the study of stability, decomposition behavior, thermodynamics, and kinetics.high-pressure tube cutting machines and their components for use in the Space and Missile Rocket Propulsion Project. The place of performance is AFRL/RQRP at Edwards AFB, CA. Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) must have the following capabilities and parameters: a. Isothermal, dynamic, and modulated heating modes b. Ability to heat from ambient to at least 1200 - C c. Ballistic heating rate greater than or equal to 1600 - C/minute d. Ability to operate under atmospheres of nitrogen, argon, and air e. Isothermal temperature precision of - 0.1 - C f. Dynamic temperature precision of - 1 - C g. Temperature accuracy of at least - 1 - C h. Mass precision of - 0.01 % i. Baseline drift of less than 10 micrograms j. Baseline linearity of less than 1 microgram k. Sensitivity of less than 0.1 microgram l. Ability to export/process raw data real-time through to other software and equipment m. Possess an auto-sampler with capacity of at least 25 samples n. Possess a sample weight capacity of at least 1000 milligrams The Air Force Test Center (AFTC), Directorate of Contracting, Rocket Propulsion Support Branch (PZRA), on behalf of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/RQR) at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California, intends to issue an award to TA Instruments - Waters, LLC on a single source basis in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b). There is no set-aside currently assigned to this contract award. The anticipated contract will be Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP). The statutory authority which permits a solicitation from one source is FAR 13.106-1(b). This authority is supported by an approved sole source Justification and Approval (J&A) letter. It is the Government's intent to proceed with as a single source award. The Product Service Code is 6630. The applicable NAICS code is 334516. The size standard as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration is 1,000 employees. This notice neither constitutes an RFQ/RFP or an Invitation for Bid (IFB), nor does it restrict the Government in any way to an ultimate acquisition approach. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the Government. In addition, the response should include verification of the Offeror's Representation and Certifications'Commercial Items in accordance to FAR 52.212-3. If the offer does not have a copy of this provision, go to http://www.sam.gov to load required information. Any response received without completing this registration will be considered noncompliant. Further, the response should include any special requirements for a commercial contract (i.e. Commercial Financing, Warranty Provisions, Delivery Information, etc.) in accordance with FAR part 12. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE OR PROPOSAL AND IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. AFTC has appointed an Ombudsman to hear concerns from potential offerors relating to this acquisition. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the Program Director or Contracting Officer, but communicates contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. Matters of a routine or administrative nature concerning this acquisition should not be addressed to the Ombudsman, but rather the Contracting Officer, Ms. Megan Meno. For any concerns, interested parties may call the Air Force Test Center Ombudsman, Air Force Test Center Vice-Commander, 1 South Rosamond Blvd, Edwards AFB, CA 93524-3784, phone number (661) 277-2810, facsimile number (661) 277-7593, Email: aftc.workflow@us.af.mil. For further information, contact the Contracting Specialist, Andrea Brooks, AFTC/PZRA, andrea.brooks.3@us.af.mil, or the Contracting Officer, Megan Meno, AFTC/PZRA, megan.meno@us.af.mil. All responses to this Synopsis of Proposed Contract Action must be received NO LATER THAN MARCH 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. PST. No costs will be paid for any charges incurred in responding to this synopsis.