SOLICITATION NOTICE
66 -- Alpha-Beta Sample Counter
- Notice Date
- 8/4/2005
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 334516
— Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301, Room B129, Mail Stop 1640, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899-1640
- ZIP Code
- 20899-1640
- Solicitation Number
- SB1341-05-Q-0893
- Response Due
- 8/19/2005
- Archive Date
- 9/3/2005
- Description
- THIS IS A COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORMAT IN FAR SUBPART 12.6-STREAMLINED PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATION AND SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS-AS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS NOTICE. SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEEDURES ARE UTILIZED IN THIS PROCUREMENT. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION; QUOTATIONS ARE BEING REQUESTED, AND A WRITTEN SOLICITATION DOCUMENT WILL NOT BE ISSUED. This solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-04. *** The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334516 with a small business size standard of 500 employees. However this requirement is unrestricted and all interested Contractors may submit a quote. *** ***The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a requirement for one (1) each, Alpha-Beta Sample Counter to be used in the Safety, Health and Environment Division at NIST, Gaithersburg, MD. *** ***All interested offerors shall provide a quote for the following line item: Line Item 0001: The Contractor shall furnish one (1) each, Alpha-Beta Sample Counter. The Alpha-Beta Sample Counter shall meet or exceed the following specifications: 1. The system shall consist of a sample detector, background guard detector, shielding, counter electronics, operating system, sample changer, user interface, a computer for systems parameters programming and data logging, printer, monitor, input devices (keyboard and mouse), connecting cables, uninterruptible power supply/power surge suppression, cart, detector gas controls, connections and tubing, sample planchets, and any other components needed for appropriate turn key operation. Software based operating systems are strongly preferred but firmware operating systems will be considered if it can be demonstrated or documented that they provide the acceptable protocol programming and output format flexibility, QA tracking, data storage, and data transfer capabilities, and provide a reliable and simple user friendly interface. Detector Characteristics: 2. The system shall utilize ??ultra-thin windowed?? gas flow proportional detector capable of detecting alpha and beta particles. (Venders may optionally propose using solid state detectors. If they do they must provide documentary evidence that they will meet the same or better performance, detection, and background suppression specifications that are available with gas flow detectors. They shall also provide similar documentary evidence of reliability, stability, reparability, and cost effectiveness). 3. The system shall be capable of detecting 0.005 uCi of contamination from sources including C-14, S-35, Fe-59, Cl-36, Cs-137, Co-60, I-131, Am-241, and U-238, Detection efficiencies (CPM/DPM) shall be at least 15 percent for C-14, 35 percent for Cl-36, 45 percent for Sr/Y-90, and 40 percent for Am-241. 4. The system shall be capable of meeting detection requirements while operating in external gamma radiation fields up to 0.5 mR/hr. 5. Lead shielding as well as a separate background ??guard?? detector and subtraction algorithm shall be utilized to achieve optimum counting statistics and to minimize sample count times for an established minimum detectable activity. Backgrounds shall not exceed 2 CPM beta or 0.2 CPM alpha while operating in typical background fields of 20 uR/hr 6. Changes in background (guard detector) count rates shall be apparent through an on screen display of the guard counts or by an automated signal from the system. 7. Spillover of the beta channel signal into the alpha channel shall be less than or equal to 1%. 8. Samples with count rates up to 500,000 cpm shall be measurable with less than 2% dead time loss. 9. The active diameter of the detector shall be ?d 2 inches to provide approximately 2 pi coverage of the sample trays Flow Control: 10. If a gas flow based detector is proposed, the counter shall use a standard P-10 counting gas. Gas flow shall be monitored and controlled by the system and designed to minimize gas flow during times of inactivity and purge the chamber following a shut off. The detector voltage shall power down automatically with a signal of low flow to prevent damage to the detector and prevent operation that could report erroneous measurement results. A low flow indication shall be displayed visually and/or audible either via the controlling computer or the instrument. Physical Considerations: 11. The system shall meet performance requirements for normal laboratory environmental conditions with room temperature 15 - 32 degrees C, and relative humidity 20 - 70 percent. 12. The system shall operate on standard AC power at 115 to 125 Volts at 60 Hz. 13. The instrument shall be self contained and semi portable. The system shall be fully incorporated onto its own wheeled cart. The entire counting system (including computers and output devices but not necessarily the gas bottle) shall be capable of being moved by one individual, without disassembly or technical support from the manufacturer. 14. The system shall be designed for ease of maintenance and repair. The counting chamber and detectors shall be capable of being removed, cleaned, or replaced by NIST personnel without undue difficulty or use of specialized tools unless such tools are provided. The detector window shall be removable for cleaning or replacement by NIST staff in the event of damage or contamination. A replacement window shall be included with the counter system. 15. The sample changer shall be automatic with the capability of handling at least 50 pre-loaded samples. Each sample holder shall be sized to handle sample holders, i.e. planchettes, of 2 inches in diameter by 1/4 inch tall and shall be individually identified or coded for use in the counting system. The sample holders shall be removable, washable and replaceable without affecting the system operation. It shall be permissible to use sample holders in any combination or sequence order. The changer mechanism shall require minimal preventive maintenance requirements and having an expected operating life of at least ten years without major service or component replacement. The time required to change samples and initiate the next count shall be less than 20 seconds. 16. Control of loading, manual sample advance, reverse, or restack, start count sequence, stop count, and unloading shall be possible from a top panel touch pad, keyboard, or mouse ergonomically placed close to the sample planchets for quick loading and unloading. The unit should also have a flat shelf space to place the smears during loading and unloading. System Control Algorithms: 17. Full setup and QA of the counter, input and monitoring of system parameters, gas flow control, protocol programming, sample handling commands, output templates, and data file storage shall be possible via the computer linked interface. 18. The interface computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and printer shall be supplied with the counter. The vendor shall also supply all required software along with backup disks of the programs for reinstallation or for installation on a replacement computer with an off the shelf unit if necessary. (A list of all proprietary computer boards, system requirements, current costs, and replacement lead times shall be included with the documentation). 19. It shall be possible to have multiple protocols in the sample stack to allow multiple users to set up their samples and leave the system to run and automatically provide the output without further intervention. 20. Sample count times shall be program/protocol adjustable from 0.1 to 1000 minutes. 21. The program shall allow for repeat or sequential counting to track decay or test system stability (Chi squared tests). 22. The system shall be fully integrated with customizable programming for at least ten different sample protocols which will be selected via a sample stack loaded card. The user and/or system manager shall be able to customize counting and sample parameters such as count time, repeat counts, efficiencies, background subtraction levels, and data output formats. 23. Protocol programming shall support simple mathematical algebraic operations to convert data output to user specified values or units. These simple operations shall include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, log, and square root functions allowing background subtraction, efficiency and unit conversions, decay corrections, and statistical analysis. The protocol programming shall also allow for input specification of flow rates, deposition rates, or volumes for calculations when counting particulate air filters. 24. Protocol specified output reports formats shall support units such as gross and net counts and count rates, disintegration rates as reported in disintegrations per minute, disintegrations per second, multiples of Becquerel (Bq, kBq, etc.) and multiples of Curies, (nCi, uCi, etc). Outputs shall be capable of reporting at a minimum: Protocol Titles, Sample Identifications, User Identifications, Dates, Clock Time, Count Rates, Disintegration Rates, Sample Count Times, Minimal Detectable Activities, and Standard Deviations, and ??Alarm?? or ??Contaminated?? warnings. The ??Alarm?? or ??Contaminated?? warnings shall be based on user specified levels appropriately programmed for each protocol. 25. The report output templates shall be user customizable. Programming these templates shall be menu driven with on screen help and full instructions shall be provided with the documentation. Customizing the reports shall be simple without requiring extensive programming knowledge. Output report templates shall include optional space for comments, sample descriptions, and signature blocks. Printout formats shall be capable of reporting results for at least 25 samples per page. 26. Users shall have the option or ability to input a description, user name, or other pertinent input data such as sample descriptions that will be included in the reports at the beginning of a batch counting. Should the user choose not to input that data before counting, the report formats shall be able to include blank lines to add the information to the file after the count and to hand write this information on the hard copy print out. 27. Real time on screen display of sample data, counting session results, system parameters, and specified analysis shall also be supported while the count is in progress. For example when the 1st sample is completed the screen shall echo the calculated report results to the screen. An update of the second count or count rate and count time will also be displayed either on the monitor or a separate display panel on the unit while the count is in progress. When the second sample count is done, the monitor shall display those calculated report results below the first sample results and shall proceed to the third sample, etc. In this way the user shall be able to track the results for the batch while the counting is in progress. 28. Automatic hard copy report print outs for each batch of samples shall be available in all operating modes. For example it shall be possible to set the protocol for normal sample counting so that the report shall be printed automatically upon completion of the counts without requiring the user to return to the machine, select a file, then command a print. The user shall be able to start the count, walk away, comeback later, and take the printout off the printer tray. 29. Counting session results shall also be saved in memory so that the data can later be retrieved to generate an additional hard copy report output at a later time. The software shall support saving the sample count results to an electronic media such as disks, CD RW, or other standard and supportable computer data transfer media. The data files shall be retrievable, transferable, and editable as needed using common database or spread sheet software (This soft ware shall also be supplied and loaded onto the computer). The system shall indicate when the disk memory is nearing capacity to allow the users to remove files without loss of data. 30. All operating parameters for each of the sample types (protocols) shall be stored and available for use at any time during counting of samples with sample type identified by a built-in designed method (such as protocol cards). A function to back up and recall all system parameters, user created/defined controls, output formats, collected data, and analysis results to removable media shall be provided either within the program or external to the program. 31. The system shall be designed to automatically recover from any power interruption and continue operations without loss of operating parameters or completed count data. 32. Separate modes for alpha and alpha+beta measurements shall be provided and be selectable from the sample protocol batch programs. 33. Quality assurance and Quality Control shall be integrated features of the software. The software shall include automated routines for comprehensive calibration and quality assurance determination and adjustment of all sensitive parameters. These will include voltage plateau, threshold, and window settings, detection efficiency, detector background count rates, alpha and beta channel spillover, and efficiency/background figure of merit or similar optimization measures. Quality control parameters (back ground, Chi-squared stability, long term alpha and beta source response stability, energy efficiency, alpha window cross over, and LLD or MDA) shall be monitored and trend plots should be generated automatically and/or at the users request. Indications of statistical deviations from set parameters shall be identified by the QC software. Business Considerations: 34. Submissions with regularly sold ??Off the Shelf?? and ??Turn key?? systems are preferred. 35. The vender shall provide for delivery of the counter to NIST within three months of the award of the contract. Within two months of delivery the vender shall provide support personnel to install the unit and train NIST HP staff during the set-up, initial calibrations, and initial usage of the counter here at NIST. This will include initial setup of at least three counting protocols and output formats as well as training NIST staff on protocol programming and report format modifications. At that time the vender shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the NIST COTR that all aspects of the technical specifications have been met. At a minimum the technical representative shall demonstrate the isotope specific efficiencies, alpha cross over, back ground count rates, automated QA trending, data input and report output features, detector chamber/window access, and sample changer controls all meet the specifications. 36. The vender shall provide a minimum warranty period of one year on all parts and labor starting as of the acceptance date of the contract. 37. The vender shall provide at least one year of technical support including if required on-site support at no additional cost starting as of the acceptance date of the contract. This support shall include all software updates or required patches for that one year period. 38. The vender shall provide detailed operations and maintenance manuals for the model purchased. This shall include operating, calibration, and repair procedures, algorithm instructions, protocol and output format programming instructions, and hardware schematics. 39. The vender shall provide a list of suggested spare parts inventories including any proprietary computer boards. This list shall include current prices, part #s, recommended inventories, and current estimated delivery times. ***Delivery shall be FOB DESTINATION and be completed in accordance with the Contractor??s commercial schedule. *** ***The contractor shall pack and mark the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements, deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the purchase order, be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the purchase order; and pay all charges to the specified point of delivery. The contractor shall deliver all line items to NIST, Building 301, Shipping and Receiving, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001. *** ***Award will be made to the offeror whose quote offers the lowest price, technically acceptable quote. *** ***The following provisions and clauses apply to this acquisition: Provisions: 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items; and 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items. ***Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications on-line at http://orca.bpn.gov in accordance with FAR 52.212-3 Offerors Representations and Certifications- Commercial Items. If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required. *** ***The following clauses apply to this acquisition: 52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration; 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions?XCommercial Items; 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders?XCommercial Items including subparagraphs: (13) 52.222-3, Convict Labor; (14) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies; (15) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; (16) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; (17) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans; (18) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities; (19) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans; (22)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American Act-Free Trade Agreements- Israeli Trade Act; (ii) Alternate I of 52.225-3; (24) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases; (29) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration. Department of Commerce Agency-Level Protest Procedures Level above the Contracting Officer is also incorporated. It can be downloaded at www.nist.gov/admin/od/contract/agency.htm. All clauses may be viewed at www.acqnet.gov. *** ***All vendors shall submit the following: 1) An original and one (1) copy of a quotation which addresses all Line Items; 2) Two (2) Originals of the Technical description and/or product literature; 3) Description of commercial warranty; 4) Two (2) copies of the most recent published price list(s); and 5) A completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items which may be downloaded at www.acqnet.gov. *** ***All quotes must be received not later than 3:30 PM local time, on August 19, 2005 at the National Institute of Standards & Technology, Acquisition and Logistics Division, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301, Room B129, Mail Stop 3571, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-3571, Attn: Jennifer Roderick. Because of heightened security, FED-EX, UPS, or similar delivery methods are the preferred method of delivery of quotes. If quotes are hand delivered, delivery must be made on the actual due date through Gate A, and a 48 hour (excluding weekends and holidays) prior notice must be made to the Contracts Office at 301-975-4959. NIST is not responsible for late delivery due to the added security measures. In addition, offerors/quoters who do not provide 24-hour notification in order to coordinate entrance to the NIST campus must assume the risk of not being able to deliver offers/quotes on time. The Government is not responsible for the amount of time required to clear unannounced visitors, visitors without proper identification and without complete information that would allow delivery (i.e. point of contact, telephone POC, bldg., room number, etc.). If 24 hour notification was not provided, it is suggested your company representative or your courier service arrive at NIST at least 90 minutes prior to the closing time in order to process entry to the campus through the visitor center and complete delivery. Notice must include the company name, name of the individual making the delivery, and the country of citizenship of the individual. For non-US citizens, the following additional information will be required: title, employer/sponsor, and address. Please ensure that the individual making the delivery brings photo identification, or they will be denied access to the facility. Faxed quotes will NOT be accepted. ***
- Place of Performance
- Address: 100 Bureau Drive, Shipping & Receiving, Building 301, Gaithersburg, Maryland
- Zip Code: 20899-0001
- Country: USA
- Zip Code: 20899-0001
- Record
- SN00862158-W 20050806/050804211759 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
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