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Contract Opportunity

Notice of Intent to Sole Source

This is a special notice prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 5.2 - Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions. The contracting office for this notice is the 10th Contracting Squadron, USAF Academy, CO 80840.

The US Air Force Academy (USAFA) intends to award a sole source commercial contract using simplified procedures in accordance with FAR parts 12 & 13 to Illinois Tool Works Inc.. Illinois Tool Works Inc. is located at 825 University Ave, Norwood, Massachusetts. The authority for this non-competitive award is 10 USC 2304(c)(1), only one responsible source. The NAICS code for this requirement is 334519. The size standard as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration is 600 employees. This notice incorporates provisions and clauses that are in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2023-04 effective 2 June 2023. The Government has deemed Illinois Tool Works Inc. to be a responsible contractor with respect to performance. Anticipated award date is NLT 30 Sep 2023.

Salient characteristics:

Instron Universal Test Frame 22kip

• Have a uniaxial load capacity of at least 22 kips.

• Be a floor-mounted electromechanical loading system.

• Have a vertical test space of at least 58 inches (meets/exceeds current capability)

• Include software and load cell for running specimen tests.

Instron Universal Test Frame 67 kip

• Have a uniaxial load capacity of at least 67 kips.

• Be a floor-mounted electromechanical loading system.

• Have a vertical test space of at least 56 inches (meets/exceeds current capability)

• Include software and load cell for running specimen tests.

Instron 600 PRISM Compression System Upgrade

• Extend system upgrade for a servo-controlled static hydraulic universal testing machine

• Integrate system’s existing primary load cell or compatible pressure transducer

• Retrofit Installation for static hydraulic, servo hydraulic, or custom systems

• Upgrade Software compatible to Windows 10 professional operating system

--Metals Application Module

--TestProfiler

--TestCam video recording & playback module with USB cable & camera mounting

--Computer and monitor is supplied by customer

• Software Training:

--Detailed onsite software operation and usage instruction for up to 3 operators

--Set-up of specimen parameters, test control parameter, report templates, results calculations setup for applications

--Development or conversion up to 5 test methods

--Overview of test method results and report

--Review of user’s application needs

--Detailed testing of customer supplied specimens to validate/verify customer test methods and applications

• Include a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty

• Include instruction booklet in both print and digital formats

Instron Tensile Test Fixtures (Specific components listed in Bill of Materials)

• Support the use of 22 kip and 67 kip Instron universal test frames with OEM equipment

• Provide digital displays for the use of 22 kip and 67 kip Instron universal test frames with OEM equipment

All items need to be compatible with Bluehill software.

The contracting officer has determined that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available IAW FAR 13.106-1(b)(2).

REQUIREMENT: The government intends to award a firm-fixed price purchase of all, some, or none of the following items.

Line item

Description

Quantity

Unit of Issue

0001

Instron Universal Test Frames 22KIP

3

EA

1001

Instron Universal Test Frames 67KIP

2

EA

1002

Instron 600 PRISM Compression System Upgrade

1

EA

1003

Instron Tensile Test Fixtures (See attached Bill of Materials for specifications)

1

EA

A SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE POSTED. Based on previous market research conducted, the Government intends to proceed with this sole source action. This synopsis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT submit a bid/quote at this time.

All responsible sources may submit a capability statement. Interested concerns must show clear and convincing evidence that competition of this requirement would be advantageous to the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Responses and questions shall be submitted to brianna.morphis@us.af.mil or kenneth.helgeson.3@us.af.mil no later than 10:00am, MDT on 19 Sep 2023. Responses received after this will be considered late IAW FAR 52.212-1(f) and will not be evaluated. Contractors must have a current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) at http://sam.gov/. The Government bears no legal liability for any costs incurred by responding to this notice.

5352.201-9101 OMBUDSMAN (OCT 2019)

1. An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern.


2. Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions).


3. If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contact the ombudsmen,

James Anderson

8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103

USAFA, CO 80840

Telephone number 719-333-3829

FAX 719-333-9018

Email: james.anderson.72@us.af.mil

Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/MAJCOM/DRU or AFISRA level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (571) 256-2397, facsimile number (571) 256-2431.

1. The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.


2. Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer.

(End of clause)

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