NASA RFI: Advanced X-ray Diffraction System for the Analysis of Clay Minerals
Synopsis – Jan 23, 2013
General Information
Solicitation Number: NNA13459783L
Posted Date: Jan 23, 2013
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Jan 23, 2013
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No
Original Response Date: Jan 30, 2013
Current Response Date: Jan 30, 2013
Classification Code: 66 — Instruments and laboratory equipment
NAICS Code: 334516
Contracting Office Address
NASA/Ames Research Center, JA:M/S 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035-0001
Description
NASA/ARC is hereby soliciting information about potential sources for an Advanced X-ray Diffraction System for the analysis of clay minerals.
The primary use of the instrument is for the crystallographic analysis of purified clay minerals, prepared as oriented films and randomly oriented powder mounts. A secondary use will be for the mineralogical analysis of bulk powdered geological samples. These analyses are necessary for a number of projects, including, for example, the development of a planetary minerals database and the examination of terrestrial clay-bearing sediments that are believed to be analogous to certain deposits on Mars.
To fulfill this purpose it is crucial that the machine should have:
1) Bragg-Brentano geometry 2) The ability to analyze samples from at least 2 to 65 degrees two-theta – the angular range required in conjunction with X-ray radiation produced by a copper X-ray tube. 3) The instrument sample holding system needs to be able accept clay films supported by glass and silicon plates or slides, in addition to holders suitable for powdered samples.
It would also be advantageous if the machine had the option to incorporate and sample chamber for regulating environmental conditions (temperature, humidity and pressure).
Bruker D8 Discover XRD system is an example of an instrument that meets these requirements; however this brand name is not required.
Cost will include delivery and installation of Advanced X-ray Diffraction System.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center (ARC) is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including Small, Small Disadvantaged (SDB), 8(a), Woman-owned (WOSB), Veteran Owned (VOSB), Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SD-VOSB), Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) businesses, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI) for the purposes of determining the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals for this procurement. The Government reserves the right to consider a Small, 8(a), Woman-owned (WOSB), Service Disabled Veteran (SD-VOSB), or HUBZone business set-aside based on responses hereto.
No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released it will be synopsized in FedBizOpps and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service. It is the potential offeror’s responsibility to monitor these sites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis.
Vendors having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed the stated requirements are invited to submit appropriate documentation, literature, brochures, and references.
Responses must include the following: name, address, and website address of firm, size of business; number of employees; ownership; whether they are large, or any category of small business listed above, number of years in business; affiliate information: parent company, joint venture partners, potential teaming partners, prime contractor (if potential sub) or subcontractors (if potential prime); list of customers for similar systems during the past three years (include contract numbers, dollar value of each procurement; and point of contact -email and phone number).
Please advise if the requirement is considered to be a commercial or commercial-type product. A commercial item is defined in FAR 2.101.
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.
All responses shall be submitted to Mr. Lam Pham via email at: lam.v.pham@nasa.gov no later than Wednesday, 01/30/2013. Please reference NNA13459783L in any response.
Point of Contact
Name: Lam V. Pham
Title: Contract Specialist
Phone: 650-604-6516
Fax: 650-604-0912
Email: lam.v.pham@nasa.gov
Name: Marianne Shelley
Title: Contracting Officer
Phone: 650-604-4179
Fax: 650-604-3020
Email: marianne.shelley@nasa.gov
