Notice of Intent to Sole Source- ElectroForce Apex 1

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) intends to issue a sole source award to TA Instruments – Waters, LLC. (CAGE Code: 0MJS5) to procure (1) ElectroForce Apex 1 in the areas of Concrete Materials Branch (CMB) research in an ongoing force protection research and development program and efforts on novel additives and polymer synthesis.

The mechanical testing system with dynamic mechanical analysis capabilities to support material characterization and processing. This instrument will be used to understand polymeric and composite materials at various strains, frequencies, tensile, and compressive rates.

The instrument should be able to characterize polymeric materials up to a peak force of 1,000 N, acceleration of up to 20 g, and have a displacement range and dynamic stroke of 100 mm. Additional requirements include: Tension/torsion grips that are rated to 350°C that can be used to 3000 N, Compression platens 100 mm diameter,  and 3- and 4-point bend fixtures with adjustable lower span from 15 to 160 mm.

This capability will help support ongoing research in material development. The ability to understand mechanical and viscoelastic properties are important to ensure reliable performance for polymers and building materials for applications ranging from force protection to infrastructure materials

The instrument should use TRIOS software package as GSL-CMB researchers are well experience in using this data software for analysis and reporting. The software is used across different instruments and allows data to be leveraged seamlessly across instruments without having to redo comparative analysis across other software. Installation, training, and computer capable of running the software should be included. Instrument support should be through 24 months.  The DMA application kit shall be compatible with WinTest.

The unique characteristics detailed are critical to the continuation of the GSL’s mission and continued research in the Concrete Materials Branch (CMB).

Since alternative methods of field-testing technique will not be deemed acceptable, it is determined that TA Instruments – Waters, LLC. (CAGE Code: 0MJS5) is the only vendor that can provide the ElectroForce Apex 1 that can meet the government’s exact specifications.

Therefore, the Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed price contract to TA Instruments – Waters, LLC in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). TA Instruments – Waters, LLC is not a small business concern under the applicable NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1000 employees.

This notice of intent is for information purposes only. This notice is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals. A solicitation will not be issued. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. The information submitted must be provided in sufficient detail to demonstrate the vendor’s ability to fulfill this requirement. The contractor must also provide a description of their past experience in fulfilling requirements which are the same or similar to this requirement and references for each. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. Responses to this requirement may be submitted to Tam Coronel at Tam.M.Coronel@usace.army.mil no later than 4:00PM CST Tuesday, 28 April 2026.