Description
Sole Source Synopsis Additional Work Extension of the Fill Tube Microfabrication by Two-Photon Polymerization Research Study Effort with Schafer Corporation Contract Number: DE-NA0001385 December 2, 2013 The Department of Energy?s (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) intends to award an additional work extension to a contract with Schafer Corporation (Schafer) by means of other than full and open competition pursuant to statutory authority 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1 entitled ?Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements?, in support of the DOE NNSA Office of Inertial Confinement Fusion, NA-112. This additional work extension is for an additional year of study effort and performance on DOE/NNSA Contract DE-NA0001385 in support of the fill tube microfabrication by two-photon polymerization (2PP) research study effort. This additional work extension will continue exploration and development of 2PP for target-related and other applications. The objectives of this additional work extension are to: 1. Continue and perhaps expand their collaborations with universities and the private sector; 2. Begin to build an in-house capability and expertise for pursuing bench-level development in 2PP chemistries and process improvements; and 3. Begin to integrate 2PP fabrication with their target production activities. Several specific topics have been identified for them to continue to develop during this additional work extension period: ? Tailor and control 2PP material elemental compositions from pure CH (e.g., polystyrene) to doped materials (e.g., Si, Br, Cl, metals, etc.); ? Continue to test fabrication of target-relevant patterned structures (e.g., sinusoids, 2D surface waves, etc.) and assess their morphological details; ? Demonstrate the ability to deterministically ?write? low density materials in 3 dimensions, including spatially varying densities; ? Create low density metallic structures based upon 2PP technology; and ? Investigate laser beam shaping (e.g., cylinders of light or flat-toped ?super Gaussians?) for specific fabrication tasks. Schafer is unique in the science and technology of 2PP in combining in one place the skills and knowledge, equipment and facilities, background and experience, and ongoing collaborations with experts in academia and industry that are required for progress in 2PP research and development, as well as a detailed knowledge of the requirements for producing ICF targets and a demonstrated ability to meet those requirements. Schafer's strong focus on production and expertise in micro- and nano-fabrication provides near-term emphasis on applying 2PP and related technologies to current target fabrication efforts. Schafer has worked on this research study effort for over 2 years and has the unique technical capabilities, equipment, and facilities to fulfill the requirements of the additional work effort outlined above. Due to these factors and the time and substantial duplication of costs involved in procuring and phasing in another contractor, Schafer Corporation is considered the only contractor that can meet DOE NNSA?s requirements. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the additional work effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 10:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time on December 17, 2013. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this additional work effort on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed additional work effort on a full and open competition basis based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.