Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Isotech Micro-K Precision AC Resistance Thermometer Bridges
NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: Isotech MicroK-70 Precision AC Resistance Thermometer Bridges
SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB685010-15-03973
RESPONSE DATE: August 7, 2015
CONTACT POINTS: Melissa Schroeder, Contract Specialist
Paula Wilkison, Contract Officer, 301-975-8448
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), a firm fixed price purchase order, on a sole source basis, with Isotech North America for the purchase of two MicroK-70 precision AC resistance thermometer bridges for the Thermodynamic Metrology Group at NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
The Thermodynamic Metrology Group maintains and disseminates the national measurement standards for temperature and humidity. NIST has a requirement for two (2) Isotech MicroK 70 precision AC resistance thermometer bridges, which are needed to measure voltage and resistance with an uncertainty of 0.07 ppm or better, as well as providing graphical analysis, data logging, and USB interface capabilities. These bridges are needed to phase out use of ASL F18 and F17 model bridges (and an associated voltmeter) which NIST currently relies on for calibration and research measurements. Failure of an ASL bridge has the potential to put two critical, primary NIST calibration facilities in a non-operational state.
The new bridges must be fully compatible with existing temperature measurement systems in the Group. The added ability of an AC-resistance ratio bridge to measure voltage allows for the reduction of a second expensive voltmeter necessary for maintenance of the calibration furnaces. Existing research and calibration facilities are completely tailored for an AC/ADC-based system; specifically the NIST designed "Cutkosky Bridge" that operates on a square wave AC signal as utilized by the Micro-K 70. While it is possible to use a DC bridge for temperature measurements, the lab is not compatible with DC-based systems in its present configuration. Using a DC bridge in the NIST Laboratory would require major lab modifications that would greatly impact the Thermodynamic Metrology Group's ability to timely disseminate traceable temperature.
Isotech is the only contractor that can provide the required Isotech MicroK-70 Precision AC resistance thermometer bridges. The technology is proprietary, and there are no authorized distributors. Therefore, Isotech is uniquely qualified to provide the required Isotech MicroK-70 precision ADC resistance thermometer bridges.
Delivery shall be FOB Destination, Gaithersburg, MD and be completed in accordance with the Contractor's commercial schedule.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition 334515, with a size standard of 500 employees.
No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by 5:00 p.m. (EST) on August 7, 2015. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to Melissa.schroeder@nist.gov. No telephone requests will be honored.
A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.
Melissa A. Schroeder, Contract Specialist, Phone 3019758781, Email melissa.schroeder@nist.gov - Paula Wilkison, Contract Specialist, Phone 301-975-8448, Email paula.wilkison@nist.gov
