INSTRUMENT CONTROLLERS FOR EXISTING LOAD FRAMES

FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: PRESOLICITATION NOTICE, NOTICE OF INTENT

ACTION CODE: SPECIAL NOTICE

SUBJECT: Sole source – Instrument Controllers for Existing Load Frames

SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB647020-25-01832

RESPONSE DATE: 8/13/25

DESCRIPTION:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Materials Measurement Laboratory (MML) in Boulder, CO has multiple load frames out of service due to insufficient controller hardware and outdated software requirements. The servo-hydraulic load frames were manufactured by Materials Test Systems (MTS) and are in proper shape, but the limited number of controllers and components means at least 3 load frames are currently idle and cannot be used.  The additional load frame testing capabilities will be used to address sharply increasing demand from U.S. industry and other agencies for more NIST mechanical testing of physical infrastructure materials.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), with Materials Test Systems located in Boulder, Colorado, for the purchase of this equipment.

Sole Source justification is based on the following:

Market research has shown that the only source for this specific Instrument Controllers is though the manufacturer, Materials Test Systems.

NIST currently uses/owns MTS load frames and staff members are trained on StrainSmart software to safely operate dangerous load frames and execute advanced measurement science.  The controller will be installed on an existing mechanical load frame with an MTS axial actuator already installed.  One manufacturer (MTS) can provide an appropriate actuator "off the shelf", meeting the required size constraint for the actuator.  The controller is available only from MTS Systems Corporation. MTS Systems Corporation is the only supplier of the MTS FlexTest40 and FlexTest60 Controllers; MTS has stated they have no authorized resellers for their equipment. 

NAICS code for this requirement will be 334516– Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a small business size of 1000 employees.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 1:00AM EST on 8/13/25 will be considered by the Government.

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.

Inquiry POCs

Erik.Fycklund@nist.gov  Primary

Donald.Graham@nist.gov  Secondary

National Institutes of Standards and Technologies NIST Acquisition Management Division (AMD)

100 Bureau Dr. Mail Stop 1640

Gaithersburg, MD. 20899-1640