This Notice is for planning purposes only and is not a Request for Proposal, Request for Quotation, or an obligation on the part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for conducting a follow-on acquisition. NIST does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this Notice, or otherwise pay for the information requested. No entitlement or payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by NIST will arise as a result of submission of responses to this Notice and NIST use of such information. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking to identify sources capable of providing a drawn arc stud welding system. Background Information The mission of the National Fire Research Laboratory (NFRL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is to test the performance of large scale structural connections, components, subassemblies, and systems under realistic fire and loading. One such structural system is composite decks. This acquisition will provide the lab with the capability to manufacture composite deck systems. Description of Requirement NIST requires a drawn arc stud welding system that meets all of the following requirements: 1. The system shall be capable of welding studs to steel beams, including through corrugated metal decking. 2. The system shall be capable of connection to 3 phase, 60 HZ, 460V power. 3. The system shall be capable of welding studs utilizing a stud gun with power and control cable connected to a power supply. The system shall also come equipped with a ground clamp. 4. The system shall be capable of accepting and welding studs ranging from 1/4 inch diameter through 1 inch diameter. 5. At a minimum, while using the system supplied, the strength of the welded stud shall comply with the following codes and standards, a. AWS b. AISC Manual of Steel Construction The Contractor shall also be able to provide training that meets the following requirements: 1. Training on the safe and proper use of the system. 2. During the training the contractor is responsible for providing studs (3/4" preferred), chucks, ferrules, and any other accessories needed to demonstrate a proper stud weld. 3. During that training the system will be tested for proper operation. 4. The studs welded during the training shall be subjected to a bend test using a hammer. 5. The contractor shall supply the system and complete the training within 3 months after the order is received. Instructions / Required Submissions Interested parties shall describe the capabilities of their organization as it relates to the services described above. The small business size standard associated with the anticipated NAICS code for this effort is 333992 - Welding and Soldering Equipment Manufacturing, 1,250 employees. Interested parties shall include their business size classification and socio-economic status in response to this notice. The following information is required to be provided as part of the response to this sources sought notice: 1. Documentation/Description of capabilities, which clearly demonstrates the capability of providing the drawn arc stud welding system; 2. Documentation of any relevant experience in providing the required sensors; 3. Name, Address, DUNS number, CAGE code, business size, and point of contact information of the company; 4. Indication of whether the services described in this notice are currently on one or more GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract(s) or Government-wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) and, if so, the applicable contract number(s). 5. Any other relevant information that is not listed above, which the Government should consider in finalizing its market research. All information considered pertinent to the covered requirement must be sent to Amber Gray, via e-mail at
[email protected]. Information submitted must be specific and address the aforementioned requirement. Submissions must be received not later than 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on April 15, 2016. General Information After the results of this market research are obtained and analyzed, NIST may conduct a competitive procurement and subsequently award a contract. If at least two small businesses are identified during this market research, then a competitive procurement that results may be conducted as a small business set-aside.