This is a modification (001) to the synopsis entitled Vacuum Spiral Orbit Tribometer, NNG06147977L posted on March 24, 2006. You are notified that the following changes are made:
The closing date has been extend to April 18, 2006.
This modification also acknowledges and answers questions submitted in regard to Synopsis/Request for Information (RFI) NNG06147977L for Vacuum Spiral Orbit Tribometer. Questions and answers follows:
1) List of Items, Schedule of Requirements, Scope of Work, Terms of Reference, Bill of Materials required.
(Excerpt taken from RFI):
(1) Vacuum Spiral Orbit Tribometer (SOT) for accelerated testing of lubricants. Specifications are listed below.
SOT-US Package or equivalent with the following salient features:
- A Vacuum Spiral Orbit Tribometer for accelerated testing of lubricants in a vacuum or controlled atmosphere environment. The Tribometer must measure the friction coefficient in rolling contact, relative degradation rates of liquid lubricants, wear rates of solid lubricants, and cross bearing electrical resistance. The tribometer must measure the friction coefficient to 3 significant figures or better, must measure wear rates, and must measure cross bearing electrical resistance to 10 ohms or better. The Tribometer must use a single ball, driven in an opening spiral orbit, and flat plates to mimic rolling and pivoting motions seen in an actual angular contact bearing. The Tribometer must be able to perform tests according to the ASTM specification entitled “Standard Test Method for the Tribological Behavior and the Relative Lifetime of a Fluid Lubricant”. The test specimens must be reusable after repolishing. The Tribometer must operate at loads from 10 to 225 N, must have ball orbit speeds between 0 and 100 PRM, must operate at ambient temperature, must provide vacuum levels down to 10-9 torr or choice of cover gas up to 1 atmosphere. The Tribometer must work with ball sizes from 3.175 to 19 mm. The Tribometer must be a stand-alone system including the vacuum pumping system that operates on 115VAC. The Tribometer must provide data acquisition through a USB interface.
- The package must include a 15” hi-resolution widescreen laptop computer running Windows XP Pro with 1GB of RAM, 80 GB HD and complete software package for controlling the Tribometer and data acquisition from the Tribometer. The software must automatically start, stop and control tests for unattended operation, must post test reports, must generate a log file of test runs, must include a user updatable material properties database, must monitor load, speed, temperature, friction, contact resistance and up to 2 additional user defined inputs.
- The package must include a tool kit with all necessary Allen wrenches, box wrenches, open end wrench for sample mounting, forceps, magnetic ball mover, weighing cup, tool box, ball storage tray, Petri dish and micro-syringe for sample preparation.
- The package must provide a hardened SS 440C sample set which includes two 440C plates and 440C guide plates, and a ball lubricator.
- The package must include a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, a 1-year software upgrade agreement, a user manual, onsite installation and 1 day of training.
2) Soft copy of the Tender Document through email
- No solicitation or request for quote exists at this time. This Request For Information (RFI) is strictly for planning purposes in an effort to identify potential sources and new technology.
3) Names of countries that will be eligible to participate in this tender.
- There is no set "eligible" countries to participate. The government is attempting at this time to identify potential sources. We are governed under the Buy American Act as prescribed in FAR Part 25.102 unless the supply/service falls under the exceptions in FAR Part 25.103, which will then allow us to purchase foreign end products.
The FAR may be obtained via the Internet at URL: http://www.arnet.gov/far/
4) Information about the Tendering Procedures and Guidelines
- This procurement will be processed using Simplified Acquisition Procedures set forth in FAR Part 13.5
The FAR may be obtained via the Internet at URL: http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/nfstoc.htm
5) Estimated Budget for this Purchase
- At this phase in the procurement process we are unable to divulge the value of this procurement. This posting is a Request for Information (RFI), no solicitation exists at this time. This posting is to identify potential sources and acquire additional information which will inform us of the latest technology within the industry.
6) Any Extension of Bidding Deadline?
- There is no bidding deadline because there is no solicitation. There will be an extension of the Request for Information (RFI) posting to allow companies to send information regarding their capabilities and qualifications. Capabilities can take the form of company literature, brochures and technical references as long as they show the company's ability/capability to meet the requirements as stated in the RFI.
(Excerpt taken from RFI):
This synopsis is for information and planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. Respondents deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resultant solicitation for the requirement.
7) Any addendum or pre bid meeting minutes?
- There is no addendum nor will there be any pre bid meeting minutes.
The due date for responses is extended.
Documents related to this procurement will be available over the Internet. These documents will reside on a World Wide Web (WWW) server, which may be accessed using a WWW browser application. The Internet site, or URL, for the NASA/GSFC Business Opportunities home page is http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=51
Offerors are responsible for monitoring this site for the release of the solicitation and any amendments. Potential offerors are responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any).
