STRAIN GAGE CONDITIONER

FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: PRESOLICITATION NOTICE, NOTICE OF INTENT

ACTION CODE: SPECIAL NOTICE

SUBJECT: Sole source – Strain gage conditioner

SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB647020-25-00683

RESPONSE DATE: 8/1/25

DESCRIPTION:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology requires complete materials testing to validate computational models that simulate rail car impact/crash scenarios.  These tests involve high-strain-rates and cryogenic temperatures, so high fidelity measurements of strain and temperature need to be completed at high rates.  NIST has the requisite mechanical equipment to perform these tests but does not have the separate hardware/equipment necessary to complete the following: self-calibration, signal conditioning, and data acquisition suitable for these high-rate tests. The equipment will need to be accompanied by software so that all NIST owned hardware connected to an on-site computer can be integrated with the mechanical testing equipment, strain-gage based sensors, and thermocouples currently in use.

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 Micro-Measurements/Vishay, Inc. located in Wendell, North Carolina, 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 strain gage conditioner is though the manufacturer, Micro-Measurements/Vishay.

NIST currently uses/owns a Micro-Measurements/Vishay data acquisition system and staff members are trained on StrainSmart software to safely operate dangerous load frames and execute advanced measurement science. Deviating from the current manufacturer will require new training and safety updates.   Deviating to a different manufacturer will also nullify the existing work done within the lab and significant retesting would be required to maintain the data accuracy.   The replacement equipment must also be fully compatible with the NIST owned load frames and be able to duplicate previous actions with the same response.  Micro-Measurements/Vishay has stated they have no authorized resellers for these pieces of 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 8/1/25 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