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The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering Research and Development Center-Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL) has a requirement to procure two pieces of highly... The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering Research and Development Center-Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL) has a requirement to procure two pieces of highly specialized scientific laboratory equipment, one (1) Electrokinetic Analyzer (model SurPASS 3) and one (1) Modular Compact Rheometer (model 702e MultiDrive), both manufactured by Anton Paar USA. ERDC-CERL intends to award a purchase order on a sole source basis to Anton Paar USA, Inc in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). The equipment is only available directly from Anton Paar USA, Inc, the equipment manufacturer, making them the only source available for fulfilling the government’s requirement. Both pieces of laboratory equipment employ novel methodology for scientific measurements and analysis that CERL requires for its research and that collectively differentiate them from any comparable equipment on the marketplace. Specifics of the SurPASS 3 Analyzer are as follows: The electrokinetic zeta potential analyzer, SurPASS 3 from Anton Paar employs a novel method for enhanced surface zeta potential analysis based on streaming potential and streaming current measurement. The SurPASS 3 has the following capabilities and features that collectively differentiate it from any comparable equipment on the marketplace. The differential pressure changes from high to low pressure without the interference of a mechanical pump. This measurement principle ensures a continuous flow of the test liquid, a direct verification of the boundary conditions for a reliable surface zeta potential analysis (i.e., a linear dependence of streaming current/potential on differential pressure, and an equilibrium of surface and interfacial charge even for complex material surfaces (e.g., conductive surface). The SurPASS 3 enables the recording of liquid-on-solid surface adsorption and desorption kinetics under steady-state conditions. This dynamic analysis captures adsorption and desorption process at constant pressure (steady flow) with a time resolution of 160 ms. The SurPASS 3 offers streaming current measurements for the analysis of conductive samples. The allows for accurate determination of the channel dimensions required for surface zeta potential analysis based on streaming current measurement. The SurPASS 3 enables direct analysis of surface zeta potential using the classical technique of the linear streaming potential and streaming current measurement, thereby eliminating the need for tracer particles. The analysis of the raw measuring data (streaming potential or streaming current and pressure/flow rate difference) requires a linear regression only and makes the zeta potential results thus easily traceable. SurPASS 3 offers a wide selection of standard and sample-specific measuring cells, suitable for the Government’s needs in analyzing flexible and rigid films, plates, fibers, granular particles, porous materials, and tubular or microfluidic devices for inner surface analysis. SurPASS 3 provides high-resolution streaming current and streaming current measurements across the entire measurement range (±2000 mV and ±2 mA), with a resolution of 4 mV and 1 pA, respectively. The zeta potential results must always be reported in combination with the pH of the aqueous solution. SurPASS 3 records the electrolyte pH continuously to monitor any changes in the aqueous solution due to partial dissolution or release of pH-sensitive compounds of the solid sample. The electrolyte conductivity is continuously updated to verify the expected ionic strength of the aqueous test solution with temperature monitoring capability, which is required for the correct assignment of liquid viscosity and dielectric coefficient required for the zeta potential calculation. Automated pressure control unit is included for measuring adsorption kinetics on the solid surfaces of interest. 2.) Specifics of the 702e MultiDrive Rheometer are as follows: The 702e MultiDrive Modular Compact Rheometer from Anton Paar employs a novel method for advanced structural analysis of materials. The 702e MultiDrive has the following capabilities and features that collectively differentiate it from any comparable equipment on the marketplace. The 702e MultiDrive is the only rheometer that combines two air-bearing-supported rotational drive units, allowing users to perform rheological measurements in both Combined Motor Transducer (CMT) mode and Separate Motor Transducer (SMT) mode. This unique feature enables a wide range of stress-controlled and strain-controlled tests in a single device, making it irreplaceable for our specific measurement needs. The counter-movement mode, where both motors can move in opposite directions, significantly broadens the shear rate range, with a maximum speed difference of up to 6000 rpm. This capability is critical for high shear applications and advanced structure analysis of materials, offering unique insights into the behavior of complex samples that are otherwise unattainable. The MCR 702e MultiDrive is the only platform that offers dynamic mechanical analysis across multiple dimensions—bending, tension, compression, torsion—as well as thermomechanical analysis (TMA). This versatility in a single instrument ensures that we can conduct a wide range of experiments without needing additional equipment, saving both time and resources. The high-precision temperature control units, combined with Anton Paar's innovative optoelectronic technology, allow for contact-free data transmission and temperature determination without impacting torque sensitivity. This precise control of temperature is crucial for accurate rheological measurements and enables our team to conduct experiments with high reliability and repeatability. The modularity of the MCR 702e MultiDrive allows integration of a variety of temperature devices and application-specific accessories. The QuickConnect function facilitates easy one-hand connection of measuring systems, reducing downtime, and increasing efficiency. The Toolmaster™ feature further enhances this by automatically recognizing and configuring connected devices, minimizing the need for manual adjustments. Because of these reasons Anton Paar USA, Inc is the sole source for this procurement. This is not a request for proposal and in no way obligates the Government to award any contract. This is not a small business set aside. Any interested party that believes they can fulfill this requirement should submit a capability statement to be reviewed. All submissions will be considered, however there is no guarantee that submissions in response to this notice will in any way alter the Government’s acquisition strategy. Please provide responses to this notice, no later than the date and time listed at the top of this posting, to: CERL-CT-QUOTES@usace.army.mil Telephone responses will not be accepted. Responses to this notice will not be considered as a response to any solicitation, a request to be added to a prospective offerors list, or to receive a copy of any solicitation. A determination by the Government not to compete the contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.