Triple Point Water Maintenance System

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Determination & Findings (D&F) justifying the authority to solicit from a single source for the acquisition of an Isotech P/N: ITL-M-18233 Triple Point of Water Maintenance Bath for the Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory (AFPSL). This equipment is crucial for realizing and maintaining the triple point of water, a fundamental constant used for high accuracy SPRT calibrations.

• A direct replacement for the existing Isotech ITL-M-18233.

• The equipment must ensure seamless integration and operational continuity with existing validated Jarrett A11 triple point of water cells and associated hardware.

• The document cites RFO 13.101(b) (Noncommercial Products and Services) and GSAR 538.7104-3(a) (FSS Orders) as potential authorities, indicating a sole source justification.

• The specific contract type, period of performance, and estimated value are not detailed in this D&F.

• This document is a justification for a sole source acquisition, not a solicitation requiring proposal submissions.

• Evaluation criteria are not applicable as a solicitation has not been issued.

• The justification is based on the need for a direct replacement that is identical to the current equipment, implying a specific product is required.

• A Sources Sought Synopsis was posted, but only one reply was received, and it did not provide further information.

• Procuring a direct replacement eliminates the need for additional hardware and redundant testing, ensuring the integrity of primary temperature standards.

• The Contracting Officer is the approval authority for these determinations.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Purchase Description for the AFPSL Triple Point of Water Maintenance System, part number ITL-M-18233. The system is intended to be used with existing AFPSL triple point of water cells to maintain a primary fixed point for high accuracy SPRT calibrations.

• Operations: Must realize the triple point of water for calibrating Platinum Resistance Thermometers.

• Temperature Stability: Maintain triple point of water temperature (0.01 °C) with a stability of ±0.002 °C or better over 24 hours.

• Cell Capacity: Accommodate four (4) Jarrett A11 Triple Point of Water cells simultaneously.

• Long-Term Maintenance: Preserve ice mantle of a cell for at least six (6) weeks without user intervention.

• Display: Digital display of critical parameters with easily-read fonts and high contrast, distinguishing set points from actual measurements.

• Front Panel Operation: Controls or touch screen for all unit functions.

• Environmental Requirements: Operate and store between 60-90 °F and 10-90% RH (non-condensing).

• Power: 110 VAC at 50/60 Hz.

• Electrical Protection: User-serviceable fuse or circuit breaker.

• Documentation: Operator's manual (including component listings, alignment, and maintenance procedures), warranty, and technical support.

• Testing: System will be inspected and accepted at a destination, with tests ensuring performance meets or exceeds requirements.

• Warranty: At least one year from delivery.

• Not explicitly detailed in this document, but implies a need for a system meeting the specified performance and functional requirements.

• Not specified in this document.

• The system must be designed and constructed according to best commercial practices for reliability, accuracy, maintainability, and ease of operation.

• Special hardware, software, or licenses required for alignment/adjustment must be supplied.

• Unique item identification labeling is required.

• Documentation requirements include manuals (iPDF format on CD/DVD-ROM) and a Technical Data Package (TDP), complying with specific Data Item Descriptions (DIDs) and Contract Data Requirements Lists (DD Forms 1423).