Notice of Intent to Sole Source - UV Laser Marking Device

The US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory intends to negotiate a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract award with Keyence Corporation of America for a 3-Axis UV Laser Marking System. The Forest Biopolymers Science and Engineering Research Work Unit (RWU4707) at FPL conducts research on the multiscale material characterization of wood and wood products.

Wood and cellulose-based materials are highly heterogeneous complex materials that require full-field deformation measurements to properly characterize the mechanical behavior for use in various forest products markets. The most effective methods for full-field metrology utilize imaging of patterned surfaces. A UV laser marking device enables high contrast “cold marking” of specimen surfaces at high resolution while minimizing thermal damage.

The Government intends to acquire this equipment under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b), soliciting from a single source. Keyence Corporation of America is the only known manufacturer capable of providing a 355 nm UV marking laser with an integrated 3-axis controller capable of automatic non-planar contour detection and a dynamic focus depth of field of at least +/-20 mm, which is required to prevent thermal and mechanical degradation of heterogeneous wood specimens during characterization.

This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties who believe they can fully satisfy the technical requirements may submit a capability statement. All capability statements received within 15 days of this posting will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.