High Electrical Probe Station

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Determination & Findings (D&F) for Other Than Full & Open Competition, justifying a sole-source procurement. It details the proposed procurement of one (1) high temperature, Direct Current (DC) and Radio Frequency (RF) capable vacuum probe station.

• Procurement Item: One (1) high temperature, DC and RF capable vacuum probe station.
• Proposed Contractor/Manufacturer: Instec, Inc., Boulder, CO.
• Justification for Sole Source: The procurement is justified under 41 USC 1901, citing "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements." Specifically, the justification highlights:
  • Direct Replacement: The probe station is a direct replacement for an existing Instec, Inc. HP1000V-MPS-mK2000 system.
  • Compatibility: The new station must integrate with existing vacuum pump equipment and frame cooling accessories, and be compatible with current electrical testing software (Vision).
  • Unique Capabilities: Instec, Inc. is identified as the only manufacturer capable of meeting specific requirements, including up to 800°C RF testing and up to 1000°C DC electrical testing with remotely controlled probe tips.
  • Experimental Continuity: Procuring from an alternate manufacturer would disrupt experimental continuity and necessitate purchasing ancillary equipment.
• Market Research: Market research confirmed that only Instec, Inc. can meet the government's minimum requirements.
• Fair and Reasonable Price: A determination has been made that the anticipated cost will be fair and reasonable.

Other / Unclassified

This document, "Adelphi List of Local Instructions and Full Text FAR and DFARS," provides specific instructions and information relevant to the Adelphi contracting process. It details points of contact for contracting and technical matters, outlines the intent to solicit from a single source (Instec, Inc.), and specifies contract type (Firm Fixed Price).

Key sections include:

• Points of Contact: Lists Contract Specialist Andrew Merdoc and Contracting Officer Zachary Dowling, with contact information.
• Intent to Solicit Only One Source: States the government's intention to award a contract to Instec, Inc. and that this notice is not a request for competitive proposals, though proposals received before the closing date will be considered.
• Type of Contract: Firm Fixed Price (FFP).
• Government Inspection and Acceptance: To be performed at Adelphi Lab Center (ALC), Adelphi, MD.
• Tax Exemption: Provides exemption certificate and Federal Tax ID for the Army Research Laboratory.
• Payment Instructions: Refers to DFARS PGI 204.7108(b)(2) for accounting classification citations.
• Receiving Room: Specifies hours and location for truck shipments at Adelphi Laboratory Center.
• Duty-Free Entry: Information on accessing the PIEE system for DFE applications.
• Exceptions in Offeror's Proposal: Instructions for stating exceptions in a cover letter.
• Award of Contract: States that proposals for less than full quantities will be considered nonresponsive.
• Adelphi Contracting Division Website: Provides a URL for offerors.
• Foreign Nationals Performing Under Contract: Outlines requirements for foreign national employment eligibility verification.
• Payment Terms: Net thirty (30) days are required; less than net thirty is unacceptable.
• Exchange of Property: Details an agreement for a price discount in exchange for specific items (Heating probe station, Instec, Inc., Model HP1000V-MPS-mK2000).
• Solicitation Provisions and Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists FAR and DFARS provisions and clauses accessible electronically, including 52.252-1, 52.252-2, and 252.211-7003 (Item Unique Identification and Valuation).
• Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) Payment Instructions: Details procedures for electronic invoicing, WAWF access, training, document submission, and routing.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it clarifies the government's intent to award to a single source, outlines key contractual terms (FFP, payment terms), provides essential contact information, and details specific procedural requirements such as inspection, acceptance, receiving, duty-free entry, and the critical requirements for item unique identification and WAWF payment submissions. Bidders must review these instructions carefully to understand the specific conditions and requirements of this opportunity, even if it is a sole-source action.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT). The government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source, Instec, Inc., for one (1) High Electrical Probe Station. This announcement serves as the only solicitation; a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

• One (1) high temperature, Direct Current (DC) and Radio Frequency (RF) capable vacuum probe station (HP1000V-RF-mK2000).

• Four (4) Upgrade Standard DC Probers (Part Number: BNC-VT-1x).

• One (1) installation at APG.

• Delivery to Adelphi Lab Center (ALC), Maryland via FOB Destination.

• Delivery required within twelve (12) weeks after contract award.

• Contract Type: Commercial, Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• Contract financing cannot be provided.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but solicitation provisions are effective through Federal Acquisition Circular 2026-01 (March 13, 2026).

• Response Date: Five (5) days after posting date, via email to the Primary Point of Contact.

• Proposals are requested and will be considered prior to the closing date and time.

• Evaluation Criteria: Not Applicable (N/A).

• NAICS Code: 334513.

• Small Business Size Standard: 750 Employees.

• Set Aside: N/A.

• Offerors must provide their business size and identify socioeconomic categories.

• Offerors must include a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations.

• The government intends to award a contract to Instec, Inc.

• This is a Notice of Intent to solicit only one source under authority of 41 USC 1901.

• Numerous FAR and DFARS clauses are incorporated by reference or included in full text.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for a required vacuum probe station and its components. It serves as a certification that these characteristics are commercially available and details the minimum specifications for the equipment.

• Vacuum Probe Station: One (1) high temperature, Direct Current (DC) and Radio Frequency (RF) capable vacuum probe station (part number: HP1000V-RF-mK2000).
• DC Probes: Four (4) DC probes (part number: BNC-VT-1x) with consumable probe tips, thermally stable up to 1000°C, positionable in X, Y, and Z axes, and accommodating up to 200 volts.
• RF Probes: Two (2) RF ground-signal-ground probes, stable at >= 800°C, positionable in X, Y, Z, and theta rotation, usable at >= 40 GHz.
• Heated Stage: One (1) stage that heats up to 1000°C with +/- 1°C accuracy, includes backside cooling with interlocks, and is >= 12 x 12 mm.
• Environmental Control Chamber: One (1) chamber that integrates the heated stage, allows independent manual probe positioning, and maintains a vacuum of less than 1 mTorr. It uses 120 V, 60 Hz AC power and allows for inert background gases (Argon and Nitrogen).
• Buy Back Item: One (1) HP1000V-MPS-mK2000, 4x BNC-VT-1x, and PSM-TM1 purchased under purchase order W911QX23P0034.

This document details the specific technical requirements for a vacuum probe station. Vendors responding to a solicitation that includes this attachment must ensure their proposed equipment meets or exceeds all listed salient characteristics. It is crucial for understanding the technical scope and ensuring compliance with the government's needs.