The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisitions Division-Kansas City office intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Stratasys, Inc., 7665 Commerce Way, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, for one FORTUS 380MC 3D Printer, for the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) at Stennis Space Center, MS. Sole Source Justification The NDBC currently owns and operates a Stratasys 3D Printer to produce custom, high quality, stress and mission-tested buoy system components no larger than 14 inches cubed. Stratasys printers use universally compatible disposable printing parts such as adhesive sheeting that hold the component in place while printing, specialized print tips, and soluble cleaning solution- all of which can be used interchangeably between two Stratasys printer models. This cost savings to use compatible printing materials and disposable machine parts is estimated at approximately $10,000 per year. Another value-added aspect of the Stratasys 3D printer is that NDBC is currently looking to expand printing capabilities beyond thermoplastics to have thermoplastic carbon fiber infused 3D printed parts. Stratasys is one of few printing companies that offer carbon fiber capability in FDM printing. The Stratasys 380mc with Carbon Fiber FDM printer allows for a Nylon12 model matrix material with infused chopped micro carbon fibers to significantly increase strength and toughness, while structurally supporting the print with a soluble support material. During production downtime, NDBC would use this new materials capability to begin production and testing on higher tensile strength 3D printed parts. NDBC would use this supplemental 3D printer to boost the production of components to meet mission deadlines. The design elements of the custom buoy components made by 3D printer must match exactly between printers to ensure full component integrity. Stratasys ensures uniformity between models and NDBC has confirmed testing standards to quickly and accurately test the strength and durability of the components made on the new Stratasys printer. The risk management framework employed at NDBC will not allow for parts that have not been fully tested to be implemented on the buoys. Producing components with a different brand of printer would cause months of stress-testing prior to any components being usable from the new printer. NDBC has estimated a cost associated with the risk of using components that have not been fully tested to range anywhere from $25,000 for a failed housing to $250,000 for a fully failed production payload. That cost would escalate if the production system is deployed in a remote location of the ocean; ship time, freight, and technician service hours would be incurred. NDBC's engineering and technical staff has been trained at over 1,000 combined man hours on its software (Insight, GrabCAD, and Control Center), user interface, and operation. The Engineering staff have become so proficient at using the Insight software that they have developed ways to pause the print job to add components (such as pre-threaded nuts) to assist in strengthening components that require screws or bolts to be attached to them. This is not a feature that can be found in all 3D printers or 3D printer software. To adequately train the staff on a new printer and software the cost would be approximately $65,000 plus loss of potential production time. Special Notice This is the only notice to be posted. This special notice is not a request for competitive offers and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide the 3D printer may submit substantiating documentation demonstrating this capability in writing within five (5) business days of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to
[email protected]. Documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. If no documentation is received, award will be made directly to Stratasys, Inc. DOC, Eastern Region Acquisition Division requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: www.sam.gov. To register, all contractors must have a Dun and Bradstreet number. A Dun and Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun and Bradstreet on-line at http://www.dnb.com/eupdate or by telephone at (800)333-0505.