THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYZER WITH AUTO SAMPLER

SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYZER THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE FOR INFORMATION ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL OR QUOTATION OR AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A SOLICITATION. This sources sought request for information is for the purpose of conducting market research to provide data for planning purposes. This sources sought synopsis announcement does not constitute a formal solicitation and is not a request for proposal, request for quote, invitation for bid, does not obligate the government to award a contract, issue a solicitation, reimburse respondents for any proposal preparation and/or submittal costs, nor does its issuance in any way restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. The Government will not pay for any materials provided in response to this notice and submittals will not be returned to the sender. The Air Force Test Center, Installation Operational Contracting Division, Eglin AFB, Florida, is seeking potential sources capable of supplying a Thermogravimetric Analyzer with autosampler. This instrument will be used by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Munitions Directorate, Ordnance Division, Energetic Materials Branch (RWME) to support numerous programs. The apparatus must be capable of measuring weight change of a solid material over some temperature range. The following are the minimum specifications/requirements: Specifications/ Requirements: - Infrared furnace with Temperature range of ambient to 1200 - C - Furnace cooling (forced air) - 1200 to 35 - C in <10 minutes - Isothermal Temperature Precision of at least - 0.1'C - Isothermal Temperature Accuracy of at least - 1'C - Heating Rate Range of: i. Linear - 0.1 to 500 - C / min ii. Ballistic - > 2000 - C / min - Employs null-balance design - Weighing capacity of up to 700 mg - Dynamic weighing range of at least - 100 mg - Weighing accuracy of at least - 0.1% - Weighing precision of at least - 0.01% - Sensitivity minimum of <0.1 - g - Short-term noise (rms) - <0.03 - g - Baseline linearity (50 to 1000 - C) - <1.0 - g - Baseline drift - <10 - g - Signal resolution - 0.001 - g - Quartz lined furnace - Gas-Delivery System that minimizes leaks and ensures a repeatable atmosphere - Allows for automated gas switching of two to four different gasses - Includes an autosampler with a minimum of 20 positions - Preference will be given to instruments capable of user calibration Software Specifications: - TGA data analysis software allows for unlimited installations within one site. - The data analysis program needs to include a PDF generator. - Software for complete instrument controls and data analysis capable of installation on Windows 7, Windows Vista, or XP compatible computers with CD-ROM drives. - Software must perform all functions without the requirement of internet access - Software will include the ability for kinetic analysis and the ability to analyze beta/delta peaks Installation and Training: - Installation and training (minimum of 8 hours) provided on site at no additional cost by a highly trained Service Engineer. All manuals, drawings, and related documents shall be provided and explicitly describe the system maintenance, calibration, and repair - Separate yearly service contract and calibration cost should be submitted - System will include a workstation with all components necessary for operation (Tower, Monitor Keyboard, Mouse, Cables, and Switches) - The unit will be able to operate on 115VAC-60 Hz Standard USA power - 1 Year Warranty (including parts and labor and travel) Feedback, questions, and comments regarding the above technical capabilities are welcomed. Interested firms are invited to submit a Statement of Capability (SOC) showing the company's ability to fulfill the requirement described above. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this requirement. This is not a solicitation nor will a solicitation package be issued as a result of this announcement, and no award shall be made as a result of this announcement. In the event that a solicitation is developed, it will be assigned a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) number or Request for Quotation (RFQ) and the announcement may be published on FEDBIZOPS. Responses to this notice will assist the government in identifying potential sources and determining if a set-aside of the solicitation is appropriate. Firms responding to this announcement should include company name, cage code, point of contact, address, phone number, small business size, and indicate whether they are small business, 8(a) concern, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, or women-owned small business. For the purposes of being considered a small business, the following applies: NAICS- 334516, Size Standard- 500. The Government reserves the right to set-aside any subsequent acquisition based upon known sources and/or responses to this synopsis. Responses are requested no later than 07 May 2013. Direct responses and/or questions to Chantel Rutland, chantel.rutland@eglin.af.mil or fax to 850-882-1680. Direct expression of interest as well as required documentation should be addressed in writing to the Contract Specialist. All prospective offerors are responsible for monitoring this site for the release of all other information pertaining to the synopsis and solicitation.