Automated MTS Load Cell

Background
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Acquisitions and Grants Services (OAGS), is issuing this sources sought announcement on behalf of the Division of Applied Mechanics (DAM) within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH).

The DAM relies on the MTS Mini-Bionix 858 test system for high-quality mechanical testing of orthopedic and cardiovascular medical devices. This procurement is necessary to replace a malfunctioning load cell that is crucial for ongoing FDA research projects, ensuring continuity in testing activities that support regulatory science initiatives.

Work Details
The contractor shall furnish one (1) load cell transducer along with all associated components necessary for a fully operational load measurement solution compatible with the Government-owned MTS Mini-Bionix 858 testing system. This includes:
- All required interface hardware, adapter plates, mounting hardware.
- Calibration certificates and warranty documentation.
- Technical documentation.
- Ancillary services such as delivery, on-site installation, integration with existing systems, calibration, operational verification, and warranty support.

Minimum Technical Requirements include:
- Load cell transducer capable of measuring 0N to ±22,000N in tension and compression.
- Load cell transducer capable of measuring 0Nm to ±200Nm in torsion.
- Compatibility with existing MTS controller hardware and software configurations without requiring replacement of the MTS Mini-Bionix 858 system.
- Support for load and torque reporting functionality.
- All required mounting hardware, interface plates, adapters, and accessories must be included. Calibration must be traceable to NIST standards.

Period of Performance
Delivery of the load cell transducer within six (6) weeks after contract award; installation completed within five (5) business days after delivery.

Place of Performance
Silver Spring MD 20993 UNITED STATES

Bidder Requirements
Vendors must identify whether their proposed product meets the minimum technical requirements. They should confirm their ability to provide a domestic end product as defined by applicable regulations. Vendors should also provide information regarding their company size and socio-economic status if applicable. If not the manufacturer, vendors must identify the manufacturer and describe their relationship with them.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
The prior award 75F40123P00419 was held by Absolute Calibration & Consulting Services (value $123,403; 09/25/23–09/24/28) for preventative maintenance and calibration annual service for multiple MTS servo-hydraulic mechanical testing machines, including associated load cells. This effort appears to be a continuation of that support scope because it similarly involves MTS load cell hardware and requires calibration traceable to NIST standards, along with installation/integration and operational verification to keep the Government’s MTS Mini-Bionix 858 testing system functioning.