The National Institute of Standards and Technology's Materials Science and Engineering Division (MSED) has an active program to measure the effect of flow on the crystallization of polymeric fluids, including polymer nanocomposites. MSED has a need for an instrument that integrates conventional rheometry with dispersive Raman microscope and that is upgradable to allow integration with FTIR through Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) technology.

MSED requires a system that includes the hardware and software to perform conventional polymer rheometry and micro-Raman spectrometry simultaneously. The system must be upgradable to integrate and interface software and hardware between the rheometer and an existing FTIR spectrometer (Nicolet 6700) so that simultaneous rheology and FTIR measurements can be made. This system must provide MSED with the capability to integrate rheological and spectroscopic measurements of conformation and alignment of macromolecules and nanoparticles under flow and during crystallization.
The rheometer must be upgradeable to a FTIR - Rheometer System to allow FTIR / Rheology experiments through attenuated total reflection (ATR). The upgraded system shall be capable of fully integrated control of the instrument including display of data. Analysis of the FTIR and Raman data shall be made through the same software package.

NIST cites 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) (see excerpt below) as the primary rationale for the Sole Source Determination. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

Thermo Electron is the only vendor that can provide seamless integration of software and hardware between the Raman microscope, the rheometer with upgradeability between the rheometer and NIST's existing FTIR. Thermo is the only vendor that manufactures and distributes all primary components of the acquisition: the high temperature rheometer, the Raman microscope, the coupling between rheometer and Raman microscope. Thermo is the only vendor with upgradability to couple between the rheometer and an existing Nicolet 6700 FTIR (Nicolet is owned by Thermo Electron). Because they produce the OMINC software package for control of NIST's Nicolet FTIR, they are the only manufacturer with capability to integrate software control between the Nicolet 6700 FTIR and the rheometer. They also hold a broad patent to integrate rheology with ATR based FTIR. In addition, Thermo Electron's technicians are the only certified technicians for installation and training services for this equipment.

The NAICS Code is 334516, and the standard size is 500 employees.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by August 21, 2015. Inquiries will only be accepted via e-mail to [email protected]. No telephone requests will be honored.

A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.