66 -- ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMBER

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis contract under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) with Espec North America, Inc. for the purchase of an Espec Environmental Chamber. The Electromagnetic Properties of Materials Project requires the purchase of an environmental chamber for the development of a measurement system for characterizing the complex permittivity of dielectric substrates at microwave and millimeter wave frequencies. The testing of these materials requires the samples to be in a tightly-controlled environment, both in temperature and relative humidity. In addition the chamber size has to be large enough to accommodate the many resonators that NIST employs for measuring the dielectric substrates. The Espec ESL-2CA Platinous Temperature & Humidity Chamber fits all of NIST’s specialized requirements. It has the necessary temperature and humidity range, constancy and uniformity. The workspace volume is sufficient (50 x 60 x 75 cm) for all of NIST’s resonators. In addition to these specifications, NIST requires a computer interface with the chamber, and the Espec chamber has a GPIB/IEEE-488 interface including instrument drivers. NIST measurements often require the use of liquid nitrogen, and this chamber has the appropriate intake valve. NIST does not have access to a water drain in its lab, and this chamber has a reticulating water supply that make a water drain unnecessary. Finally, NIST has to adjust its resonators while they are in the chamber, and this chamber has two glove ports that make resonators accessible. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). This synopsis is issued for information only. No competitive solicitation is planned. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not the use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and shall address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Any questions regarding this notice shall be submitted in writing to Ms. Rima (e-mail preferred). Anticipated award date is September 1, 2005.