Telops FAST-IR M3k Camera

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole-source basis with Infrared Imaging, LLC under the authority of 41 US 3304(a)(1) for a Telops FAST-IR M3k camera.Background Information and Basis for Sole SourceThe Production Systems Group (PSG) at NIST conducts research in metals-based additive manufacturing (AM) to develop and deploy advances in measurement science that will enable rapid design-to-product transformation. Part of this research involves fundamental physical studies into high-power laser interaction with metals and metal powders to observe and measure melt pool dynamics, temperatures, and physics. The PSG has specific expertise in applied thermography and thermal imaging of AM processes. Currently, the PSG uses a variety of cameras with different temperature ranges and optical configurations to meet a variety of needs different research platforms, which include 1) a commercial laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) AM machine, 2) a

commercial direct energy deposition (DED) machine, and 3) a custom-built platform called the Additive Manufacturing Metrology Testbed (AMMT).Due to the individual differences of mechanical and optical configurations on the systems that PSG uses described above, the currently used camera systems cannot be interchanged. However, NIST has identified a single thermal camera system that can extend the capabilities of the three AM systems and be shared among the three systems. The advantages to the three systems are: 1) Expand the temperature measurement range on the commercial LPBF machine to acquire lower temperatures; 2) Enable a new thermal imaging system research apparatus on the DED machine, with specific working distance and temperature range requirements; and 3) Extend the spectral measurement range of the AMMT to the mid-infrared.The single thermal camera system identified that meets these three objectives is the FAST-IR M3k manufactured by Telops. This system provides several combined features that together meet the needs of the three research platforms. Specifically:1) Multiple exposure control, which allows up to four freely selectable exposure times, executed from image frame to frame, and a user-selectable at any timing sequence or duty cycle which may include repeated exposure sequences;2) A particular selection of achievable frame rates at specific window sizes that meet technical requirements for all 3 AM research systems (i.e. 3000 frames/s at 320x256 pixel window); and3) An off-the-shelf 1x mid-infrared lens with the optical characteristics that meet the current optical design of the commercial LPBF system and DED system, and AMMT (i.e. working distance ≥ 255 mm and ≤ 265 mm).The Telops FAST-IR M3k is the only camera identified that meets all of the Government's minimum requirements. If the Government does not acquire the Telops FAST-IR M3k, the Government would incur a vast amount of expenses as the Government's pre-existing system would need to be entirely reconfigured.Telops has one authorized distributor/reseller in the Eastern U.S - Infrared Imaging, LLC. Warranties associated with the camera are null and void if the camera is acquired from any source other than Telops or its authorized distributor/reseller.  GeneralThe North American Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334513 - Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables. The small business size standard is 750 employees.No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, responses received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 16, 2018 will be considered by the Government.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 normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing on or before the response date for this notice. This notice of intent is not a solicitation. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to Adam Powell at adam.powell@nist.gov. All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted so that they are received at adam.powell@nist.gov no later than the aforementioned due date.