NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: A custom 2.5 m sphere motion control system including onsite installation

The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, with Dynamic Structures and Materials, 114 SE Parkway CT STE 160, Franklin, TN 37064 for the purchase of A custom 2.5 m sphere motion control system including onsite installation to be utilized by NIST’s Physical Measurements Laboratory (PML). The statutory authority for this acquisition is 41 USC 3304(a)(1); FAR 13.106-1(b).

***** Sole source determination is based on the need to acquire A custom 2.5 m sphere motion control system including onsite installation. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Physical Measurements Laboratory (PML), Sensor Science Division's has a need for a custom 2.5 m sphere motion control system that can produce smooth, soft, and repeatable opening and closing of the 3.5 m sphere. The 2.5 m sphere incorporates two hemispheres. One hemisphere is stationary and the other is actuated to control the opening and closing of the sphere. The present actuation of the moving hemisphere uses a shocking and rough motion control system, which causes coating peel-off, duct-contamination, and potential sphere damage. This purchase is for replacing the original motion control system with a smooth, soft, and repeatable motion control system. Market research revealed that Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) is the only company who can deliver the custom motion control system and performing onsite installation. They are the only company with a motion control system that fits in the available space because the sphere’s frame-to-floor distance is not allowed to be changed to include not changing the two existing rails. These rails cannot be replaced as it would require a re-align to the large and heavy 2.5 m sphere. If new rails are used, the sphere needs to be lifted and re-aligned for angles and positions with a high accuracy, which is difficult and has a high risk of damage. In addition, this would result in a duplication of cost to the government.

Dynamic Structures and Materials. is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the equipment that meets the required minimum specifications.

*****The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334519– Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 500 employees.

*****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 be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.  

*****No solicitation package will be issued.  This notice of intent is not a request for quotations; however, all responsible sources interested may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. Interested parties that believe they can satisfy the requirements listed above must identify their capability in writing before the response date of this notice. Only responses received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on August 23, 2022 will be considered by the government.  Responses shall be submitted via email to tracy.bisson@nist.gov or forest.crumpler@nist.gov