DRAFT SYNOPSIS SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. Class Code: 44 2. NAICS  Code: 333994 3. Subject: Vacuum Furnace 4. Solicitation Number: W911QX-06- T-0055 5. Set-Aside Code: SMALL BUSINESS SETASIDE 100% 6. Response Date:  04/20/06 7. Place of Performance: US Army Research, Development &  Engineering Command Acquisition Center, Adelphi Contracting Division Aberdeen  Proving Grounds APG MD 21005-5001 1. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation  for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart  12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.  This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposa ls are being  requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. (i) The  solicitation number is W911QX-06-T-0055. This acquisition is issued as a  Request for Proposal. (ii) The solicitation document and  incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal  Acquisition Circular 2005-07. (iii) This acquisition is set-aside for 100%  small business concerns. The associated NAICS code is 333994. The small  business size standard is 500. (iv) The following is a list of  contract line item number(s) and items, quantities and units of measure: CLIN  0001 The contractor shall provide a Front Loading Metal Furnace System in  accordance with the Statement of Work / Specifications paragraphs C.1 through  C.12.6. 1 Each; CLIN 0002 The contractor shall provide installation,  documentation and training in accordance with the Statement of Work /  Specifications paragraphs C.13 through C.14.6. 1 Lot; CLIN 0003 The  Contractor shall report in accordance with the Statement of Work, paragraph  entitled, Contractor Manpower Reporting for Requesting Activity UIC W262AA in  accordance with the Statement of Work / Specifications paragraph C.15. 1  Lot. (v) Description of requirements/Statement of Work: C.1.0  GENERAL DESCRIPTION C.1.1 Front Loading Metal Furnace System  capable of 1200 degrees C in high vacuum, nitrogen, helium and argon; with a  minimum vacuum level of 10 (ten to the negative five) torr at temperatures up  to 1200 degrees C and a leak rate less than 10 (ten to the negative seven)  std. cc/sec; with temperature control of plus or minus 1 degree C from 100  degrees C to 1200 degrees C; and a load cell capable of 30,000 pounds. C.2.0  PERFORMANCE C.2.1 Maximum Temperature Capability: The furnace  shall have the capability to heat up to and sustain a temperature of 1200  degrees C in an atmosphere of nitrogen, argon, helium, and under vacuum.   C.2.2 Usable Work Zone: no less than: 12 inches X 12 inches X 12  inches C.2.3 Atmospheres: Inert Gas and Vacuum C3.0   CHAMBER C.3.1 Chamber C.3.1.1 Stainless  steel, double walled, water cooled C.3.1.2 Chamber size:  minimum: 30 inches diameter X 28 inches long C.3.2 Ports   C3.2.1 Minimum of Six thermocouple ports (temperature control,  overtemperature control & survey) C.3.3 Chamber Access  Front and  Rear C.3.3.1 Stainless steel, double walled, water cooled   C.3.3.2 Full opening, hinged door C.3.3.3 One sight  window port  (front) C.3.3.4 One sight window shutter port   (front) C.3.4 Sight Window C.3.4.1 Minimum size: 1/2  inches diameter C.3.4.2 Mounted in front door; aligned with  centerline of the heat zone C.3.4.3 Quartz lens   C.3.4.4 Manually operated shutter C.3.5 Support Frame   C.3.5.1 Welded or bolted on structural steel C.4.0 HEAT ZONE   C.4.1 Element C.4.1.1 Molybdenum rod, six (6)  sided C.4.2 Insulation 4.2.1 Six layers  three  molybdenum/three stainless steel C.4.3 Work Support   4.3.1 TZM, 12 inches X 12 inches C.5.0 CONTROL CONSOLE / POWER  SUPPLY C.5.1 Floor mounted control console C.5.1.1 Minimum Size:  70 inches high X 20 inches wide X 20 inches deep  Maxim um Size: 80 inches high X 24 inches wide X 26 inches deep   C.5.1.2 Graphically depicted system layout C.5.1.3 Main  power disconnect via a lockable circuit breaker C.5.1.4 Heat  zone amp/volt meters C.5.1.5 Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR)  power controller C.5.2 The furnace shall utilize no more than 480  volts, 3 phase, 60 hertz, 175 kV due to utility constraints at laboratory  site. C.5.2.1 Mounted in separate enclosure C.5.3 Water  cooled, flexible, copper power cables C.6.0 VACUUM and TEMPERATURE CONTROL  INSTRUMENTATION C.6.1 Temperature Control C.6.1.1  Programmer/Controller: Eurotherm, Model 2404 or Honeywell DCP 550 (brand name  or equal) C.6.1.2 Overtemperature Limiter: Eurotherm, Model  2216e or UDC 2300 (brand name or equal) C.6.2 Temperature Sensors   C.6.2.1 Temperature Control Sensor C6.2.1.1  Thermocouple, molybdenum sheathed, 1/8 inches OD, hafnia insulation   C.6.2.2 Overtemperature Control Sensor C6.2.2.1  Thermocouple, molybdenum sheathed, 1/8 inches OD, hafnia insulation C6.3  Sequence Controller C.6.3.1 One Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)   C.6.4 Vacuum Controller .C6.4.1 One (1) ion gauge   C.6.4.2 Two (2) thermocouple gauges and cables   C.6.5 Data Acquisition C6.5.1 Chart Recorder C7.0  WATER COOLING SYSTEM C.7.1 Four to eight inlet/outlet water distribution  manifold C.7.2 Individual, manually operated ball valve  control on each water circuit C.7.3 One paddle wheel flow  switch/controlled master water circuit protection C.7.4 In-Line strainer  C.7.5 Pressure gauge in water line C.8.0 EVACUATION/PURGE SYSTEM (Roughing  Pump) C.8.1 Roughing Pump C.8.1.1 Minimum: 250 l/m pumping  speed C.8.1.2 Vacuum manifold as required C.8.1.3  Manual leak check/air release valve in foreline C.9.0 VACUUM SYSTEM (High  Vacuum System) C.9.1 Turbo Pump C.9.2 Electro-pneumatically operated  vacuum valves C.9.3 Graphically depicted system layout shown on front of  control enclosure C.10.0 NONCOMBUSTIBLE GAS SYSTEM C.10.1 One solenoid  operated inlet valve C.10.2 One flowmeter C.10.3 One 2 PSIG Relief  Valve C.11.0 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS and SAFETY INTERLOCKS   C.11.1 Main power disconnect via a lockable circuit breaker   C.11.2 All motors protected from overload with thermal devices   C.11.3 Protective electric isolation covers provided wherever  necessary C.11.4 All vacuum valves normally closed C.11.5 One  set of spare fuses C.12.0 HYDRAULIC PRESSING SYSTEM C.12.1 Bellows   C.12.2 Top mounted, hydraulic cylinder (minimum 2.0 inches bore,  maximum 4.0 inches bore) C.12.3 Hydraulic Power Pack C.12.4 Servo  Valve Control C.12.5 Load Cell  30,000 LB (minimum) C.12.6 Top  (movable) and bottom (fixed) Compression Rods C.13.0 DOCUMENTATION and  MISCELLANEOUS C.13.1 Two sets of operating/maintenance manuals that shall  incorporate all the drawings and schematics necessary to install, service, and  maintain the equipment. C.14.0 TESTING, INSTALLATION and TRAINING C.14.1  The manufacturer shall test the furnace prior to packing at the manufacturers  site. The furnace shall be tested for ability to hold a high vacuum, ability  to reach and sustain 1200 degrees C, ability to hold a load of 30,000 pounds,  and ensure t he operation of all interlocks and controls. C.14.2 The  contractor shall place the equipment in the location designated by the POC and  connect all the electrical and plumbing required. High power extensions and  any other materials needed to complete this installation shall be the  responsibility of the contractor. C.14.3 The contractor shall operate the  furnace to meet the performance specifications. The vacuum shall be checked  to see if a vacuum of 10 (ten to the negative six) torr can be sustained. The  furnace shall be heated to 1200 degrees C and he ld for three hours in argon.  The furnace shall also be heated in vacuum to 1200 degrees C. The furnace  shall be observed post heating to look for damage caused by oxygen  contamination due to leaks in the seals or damage to the vacuum system.  C.14.4 The interlocks for cooling water and temperature sensor faults shall  be tested for proper operation. C.14.5 The unit shall include an industry  standard (1) year parts and labor warranty. C.14.6 The contractor shall  provide training for up to 4 U.S. Army Research Laboratory personnel on the  proper operation of the furnace including operation of the controllers and  cooling system at APG. C.15 CONTRACTOR MANPOWER REPORTING The Office of the  Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower & Reserve Affairs) operates and  maintains a secure Army data collection site where the contractor shall report  ALL contractor manpower (including subcontractor manpower) required for  performance o f this contract. The contractor is required to completely fill  in all the information in the format using the following web address  https://contractormanpower.army.pentagon.mil . The required information  includes: (1) Contracting Office, Contracting Offic er, Contracting Officer's  Technical Representative; (2) Contract number, including task order and  delivery order number; (3) Beginning and ending dates covered by reporting  period; (4) Contractor name, address, phone number email address identify of  contra ctor employee entering data; (5) Estimated direct labor hours  (including sub-contractors); (6) Estimated direct labor dollars paid this  reporting period (including subcontractors); (7) Total payments (including sub- contractors); (8) Predominant Federal Ser vice Code (FSC) reflecting services  provided by contractor (and separate predominant FSC for each sub-contractor  if different); (9) Estimated data collection cost; (10) Organizational title  associated with the Unit Identification Code (UIC) for the Army Re quiring  Activity (the Army Requiring Activity is responsible for providing the  contractor with its UIC for the purposes of reporting this information); (11)  Locations where contractor and sub-contractors perform the work (specified by  zip code in the Unite d States and nearest city, country, when in an overseas  location using standardized nomenclature provided on website); (12) Presence  of deployment or contingency contract language; and (13) Number of contractor  and sub-contractor employees deployed in thea ter this reporting period (by  country). As part of its submission, the contractor shall also provide the  estimated total cost (if any) incurred to comply with this reporting  requirement. Reporting period shall be the period of performance not to exceed  12 months ending September 30 of each government fiscal year and must be  reported by 31 October of each calendar year. Contractors may use a direct XML  data transfer to the database server or fill in the fields on the website. The  XML direct transfer is a for mat for transferring files from a contractor's  systems to the secure web site without the need for separate data entries for  each required data element at the web site. The specific formats for the XML  direct transfer may be downloaded from the web site. (vi) Delivery is  required by 15 September 2006. Delivery shall be made to the Army Research  Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Grounds APG MD 21005-5001. Acceptance shall be  performed by an authorized Government Representative at the Government site.  The FOB point is Destination. (vii) The following provisions and FAR/DFAR  clauses can be obtained at http://www.arl.army.mil/contracts/opport.htm,  http://farsite.hill.af.mil/VFFAR1.htm, or  http://farsite.hill.af.mil/VFDFARa.htm. (viii) The provision at 52.212- 1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial, applies to this acquisition.   (ix) The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items is  applicable to this acquisition. The specific best value evaluation criteria t  o be included in paragraph (a) of that provision are as follows: 1) The  ability of the proposed product to meet the requirements of the Statement of  Work/Specifications as described in paragraph (v) above; 2) Past  Performance. All offerors are to provide at documented history of providing  similar systems. Submit the company name of the manufacturer and provide a  point of contact and telephone number: and 3) Total Price for each line item.  (b) Offerors are required to submit technical information. (i) Technical  Information, means clear and convincing evidence that the product(s) offered  meet fully the specifications contained in paragraph (v) above (e.g., cuts,  illustrations, specifications, drawings, etc.). This information is required  to establish, for the purpose of evaluation and award, details of the product (s) offered, and pertain to significant elements such as (1) design; (2)  materials; (3) components; (4) performance characteristics; and (5) methods of  manufacture, assembly, construction, or operation. The term includes only  information required to determine the technical acceptability of the offered  product. It does not include other information such as that used in  determining the responsibility of an offeror or for operating or maintainin g  equipment. (ii) Technical Information must be (1) identified to show the item (s) of the offer to which it applies and (2) received by the time specified in  this solicitation for receipt of proposals. (c) Failure of Technical  Information to show that the product(s) offered conforms to the requirements  of this solicitation may result in the proposal being determined  unacceptable. (d) Failure to submit Technical Information as required above  may result in the proposal receiving no further consideration . (x)  Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3,  Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items, and DFARS  252.212-7000, Offeror Representations and Certifications -Commercial Items,  with its offer. (xi) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -  Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (xii) The clause at  52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or  Executive Orders - Commercial Items and DFARS 252.212-7001, Contract Terms and  Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Applicable to  Defen se Acquisitions of Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The  following additional FAR/DFARS clauses cited in this clause are applicable:  52.203-3, 52.203-6, 52.219-6, 52.219-8, 52.219-14, 52.222-3, 52.222-19, 52.222- 21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.2 22-36, 52.222-37, 52.222-39, 52.225-13, 52.232- 33, 252.225-7012, 252.232-7003, 252.243-7002, 252.247-7023, 252.247-7024.   (xiii) The following additional contract requirement(s) or terms and  conditions apply: 52.004-4408, 52.005-4401, 52.032-4418. (xiv) The  following notes apply to this announcement: Note 1. (xv) Offers are due  on 20 April 2006, by 10:00 am, Eastern Standard Time, via email to  [Please use the link below]. For information regarding this solicitation, please  contact Robin Stoltz, Contract Specialist, 301-394-3381, [Please use the link below].