2K Print System for Additive Construction (3D) Printer

General Information

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/ Engineering Laboratory (EL) Materials and Structural Systems Division (MSSD) has the need in updating and upgrading the current large-scale robotic printer for cementitious materials. The system was installed in 2019 and is already out of date with current industry. The original system requires substantial updating and upgrading to remain relevant and for the government to continue carrying out its mission. The ability to introduce admixtures to the flow of printing material at or near the nozzle is required, this provides increased control over the setting times and printability of the material and rapid adjustment features that are critical in varying environmental conditions.

To carry out the mission of developing the measurement science tools and knowledge for performance-based standards of 3D printed structures, the Additive Manufacturing with Cement-based Materials project at NIST requires the tools to properly assess and investigate current developments within the growing industry. As such, the need for a 2K Print System (a system that combines 2 materials at the point of deposition) is essential. Utilizing the equipment already purchased by NIST at the beginning of the project, it is critical to update the system with the hardware, software, and technical services it requires to carry out the governments mission.

The purpose of this sources sought notice is to obtain sources that can provide a compatible 2K print system.

Requirements

The government is looking for a 2K Printer System has a multi-component printing nozzle with a fully integrated set of supporting systems including pumping, hardware and software, technical training, and support. The system will have built-in safety features to help protect the operators and ensure the tools longevity.

Diagnostic tools and programming assistance will also be provided with the equipment and support system which will be complimentary and compatible with NIST’s existing infrastructure (ABB IRB6700 six-axis articulated robot arm and seventh axis track platform). The new 3D printing solution must be compliant with all industry related safety standards and certifications at installation, the system must pass a documented acceptance test based on an established verification procedure and in compliance with existing equipment.

The 3D printing solution must meet or exceed the following minimum technical requirements and specifications:

• The feeding system which delivers the fluid material (e.g., concrete) and any admixture to the printing head, which is attached and manipulated by an existing robotic arm.
• The printing head shall measure the correct proportions of concrete and admixture, mix them precisely and extrudes controlled layers of concrete.
• Required software packages, including licensing, shall be included with initial package and remain active for no less than 1 year with the option of renewal if needed.
• Installation of all equipment including but not limited to, a mixer and 2K printing head onto existing ABB robot arm.
• Initial Training for up to 5 participants
• Development, project, and technical support
• Optional annual subscription to a service/ maintenance agreement
• Safety and operational applications proving real-time feed back of pressures, speed, and flow within the system.

Maintenance Options

The contractor shall provide the option of a maintenance service to commence after installation and commissioning of the printing system as per service agreement.

The maintenance services shall provide, at a minimum, preventative maintenance services as specified in version of the manufacturer’s operations and maintenance manual at time of award, all released software upgrades, telephone support during NIST business hours, and on-site technical downtime support. The maintenance services shall cover all parts, labor, and travel.

Warranty Requirements
The Contractor shall provide, at a minimum, a one-year warranty for the equipment. The warranty shall cover all parts, labor, and travel. The warranty shall commence upon successful completion of delivery, installation, and training.

Delivery Requirements

Delivery shall be made F.O.B. Destination within 120 days after Contractor receipt of order to the National Institute of Standards and Technology

Contracting Office Address

Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Acquisition Management Division, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301, Mail Stop 1640, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899-1640

NIST is seeking responses from all responsible sources.  Small businesses are defined under the associated NAICS code for this effort, 334516, Analytical Laboratory Manufacturing, with a size standard of 150 employees.   Please include your company’s size classification and socio-economic status in any response to this notice.

Instructions to Responders

Interested parties that have the capabilities to meet the Government’s requirements with of no more than 10 pages, describing their abilities to meet all requirements to prateema.carvajal@nist.gov no later than the response date of July 17, 2023, 8:00 a.m. EST for this sources sought notice. The report should include relevant information to your capabilities including any requirements that cannot be met or is deemed close to but not meeting an identified requirement.

Also, the following information is requested to be provided as part of the response to this sources sought notice:

1. Name of company(ies), their addresses, and a point of contact for the company (name, phone number, fax number and email address) that provide the services for which specifications are provided.
2. Indication if the company(ies) are small business and/or any other social economic category(ies).  Please highlight if company is an 8(a) and/or owned by an Alaska Native Corporation, Indian Tribe, Native Hawiian Organization, Community Development Corporation; HUBZONE, SDVOSB, EDWOSB or WOSB.
3. Indication of whether the services required are currently on one or more GSA Schedule (i.e. Multiple Award Schedules [MAS]) contracts and, if so, the GSA MAS contract number(s).
4. Indication if the company(ies) can provide all, or some, of the services.
5. Any other relevant information that is not listed above which the Government should consider in developing its minimum specifications and finalizing its market research.