Optosigma Optical Manipulation Devices and Goniometers

Notice of Intent The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), with Optosigma Corporation of Santa Ana, Calif. 92705 for the Purchase of Sixty Eight (68) OptoSigma Optical Manipulation Devices listed below, which will be installed for the interior of the Very Small Angle Neutron Scattering Instrument (VSANS) Pre- Sample Flight Path (PSFP) being developed at Center for Neutron Research at NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland. 1) 24 Each OptoSigma Goniometers P/N: 123-284 2) 24 Each OptoSigma Z- Stages P/N: 122-0150 3) 20 Each OptoSigma Z- Stages P/N: 122-0047 The Purpose of these optical manipulation devices is for aligning/orienting neutron beam optics as part of a system for changing the pre-sample neutron beam conditioning configuration according to each unique measurement or experiment. This flexibility is required to maximize the utility of this next-generation instrument by accommodating a very diverse range of experiments from the outside user community as well as internal NIST research programs. The PSFP is a series of eleven evacuated chambers located upstream of the VSANS sample area. When installed, the PSFP forms a continuous flight path that is roughly 67 feet in length. It will be sandwiched between two existing, operating neutron guide lines in the older guide hall with very limited space. Because of the tight space constraint and the need to procure the PSFP vessels early in the development stage of this instrument, the feasibility exercise consisted of detailed engineering and modeling of the beam optic components and the means to support and manipulate them in the restricted inner volume in the most compact way practicable. During this design, Optosigma components were modeled and integrated into the instrument due to their ability to meet the load and precision requirements at a low cost but more importantly because they are the only known source that offers a tilt goniometer with a rotation center 100 mm above the top surface in such a compact package (it measures only 2.5" x 2.5" x <1" tall). The z-stages offer 10mm of vertical travel in a package that is only 2.5" x2.5" x 2" tall. In addition, the tilt goniometer can be directly mounted to the z-stage without the need for an adapter plate (which would add to the height). This clear space above these devices is absolutely necessary to place neutron optics that utilize the full neutron beam height without placing neutron-scattering materials in the path of the beam. This compact design for the internal beam optics and its integration to the PSFP components became an input and part of the requirements for the design/build procurement of the VSANS Pre Sample Flight Path vessels. The vessel design includes features that make direct installation of the subject Optosigma components possible and the operation of these components over their travel ranges can occur with no risk of mechanical interference. OptoSigma Corporation is the sole manufacturer of their instruments. Their manufacturing techniques and technology is proprietary. No other companies The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition 333314, with a size standard of 500 of employees. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, responses received by July 17, 2014 will be considered by the Government.