SYNOPSIS: This Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (CCDC Soldier Center) to identify potential sources to provide a nanoindentation instrument.

The Government requests that responses be submitted electronically to [email protected] and [email protected] by May 19, 2021 by 5pm EST.

Background: The Government (CCDC Soldier Center) is in need of a nanomechanical tester for measuring modulus of micron and nanoscale material coatings on a wide variety of substrates and form factors.

Description: CCDC Soldier Center needs a nanoindentation apparatus capable of measuring hardness, modulus and layer adhesion of nanoscale to micron scale coatings. The instrument should be capable of measurements on not only flat substrates, but curved and fiber specimens as well.   

Specific Specifications: 

The instrument must:

• Have a footprint smaller than 36 x 36 inches
• Include in-situ imaging to include scanning probe microscopy
• Be modular with options to upgrade to additional functionalities in the future, such as electrical testing and environmentally controlled testing
• Be capable of performing testing at very high strain rates to approximate ballistic speeds and events
• Include a vibration isolation system

Deliverables: One nanoindentation instrument with 1-year warranty and on-site installation

Delivery Date: The Government anticipates 16 weeks/months lead time for this item. The Government would like to have the instrument installed by October 2021

Government Furnished Property (Equipment/Materials/Information/Computer Utilization): None

Interested parties are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Announcement. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY

This Sources Sought Announcement is issued solely for information and planning purposes and to identify interested sources. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. This Sources Sought does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. It is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Further, unsolicited proposals will not be accepted. Funding is not available at this time. The United States Army has not made a commitment to procure any of the items/services discussed, and release of this Sources Sought Announcement should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Response to this Sources Sought Announcement is voluntary and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this and any follow-on information requests. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Not responding to this Sources Sought Announcement does not preclude participation in any future RFP if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOps) website. It is the responsibility of the potential responders to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this subject.

RESPONSES:
Interested parties may identify their interest and capability by sending responses regarding this requirement to CCDC Soldier Center via e-mail ONLY to [email protected] and [email protected] no later than May 19, 2021 by 5:00 p.m. EST. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this Notice. All costs associated with responding to this Notice will be solely at the expense of the interested party.

Please provide business size (indicate your socioeconomic status), applicable NAICS code, and CAGE code. If you hold a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract, please identify your contract number.

QUESTIONS:
Any questions for clarification may be emailed to [email protected] and  [email protected] no later than May 14, 2021 by 5:00 p.m. EST. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. An unattributed list of questions and answers will be published at the same web location of this Sources Sought Announcement.