TSC IIJA 8540 FAILURE ANALYSIS CHARACTER
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Bureau of Reclamation's Materials and Corrosion Laboratory (MCL) is seeking a commercially available, off-the-shelf microhardness tester. This Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) is a Total Small Business Set-Aside to acquire equipment for evaluating the hardness of various materials. Quotes are due by February 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a microhardness tester capable of precise and repeatable hardness testing across a wide range of materials and sample types, supporting both micro and macro indentation. Key requirements include:
- Microhardness Tester: Must support Vickers and Knoop methods, with a load range from 5 gf to 2000 gf (micro) and up to 50 Kgf (macro). It must accommodate samples as small as 1 mm and feature automated or semi-automated indentation, auto-focus, auto-indent pattern placement, automated z-axis movement, high-resolution digital imaging, pixel calibration, and objective lenses (at least 10X and 50X).
- Software: Integrated software for test setup, execution, and reporting, including case depth analysis, hardness contour mapping, and customizable Excel-compatible data export. It must have visual tracing, pattern definition tools, a touchscreen or PC-based interface, and manual override.
- Standards Compliance: Must conform to ASTM E384 2022 and relevant ISO standards.
- Service Package: Includes delivery, installation support, necessary accessories, documentation, and training.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Request for Quote (RFQ)
- Period of Performance: Delivery preferred by March 30, 2026, with the system ready for delivery within 90 days of contract award.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Submission Deadline: February 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET
- Published Date: January 27, 2026
Evaluation
Quotes will undergo a comparative evaluation considering Price and other factors such as Delivery, Warranty, and Extended Service. The award will be made to the quote most advantageous to the government.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside. Only qualified small businesses may submit a quote. Prospective contractors must ensure their NAICS code 334516 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies) is active in their SAM.gov registration and must have at least 5 years of experience in manufacturing microhardness testing equipment.
Additional Notes
- Solicitation Number: 140R8126Q0032
- Delivery: F.O.B. Destination to the Bureau of Reclamation in Denver, CO.
- Payment: Requests must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).
- Contact: Keith Singleton (ksingleton@usbr.gov, 303-445-2641).