Navy Seeks Bids in Reverse Auction Format for Stratasys Fortus 250 3D Printer

In the last year, the United States Navy has made several headlines with their multiple uses for 3D printing. Back in April, they announced that they had installed a 3D printer on board one of their vessels, the USS Essex. Two month after that, they put out a request for public information regarding the purchase of a 3D printer capable of printing with metals via a laser sintering method. The exact future uses of this printer were not published however.

Today the U.S. Navy’s NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center in San Diego, posted a combined synopsis/solicitation (Solicitation Number:N00244-14-T-0150) at FBO.gov. They are seeking bids in a reverse auction format for the purchase of several key pieces of 3D printing hardware and peripherals. The following is the complete package that the Navy is seeking – Quantity in ():

1. Stratasys Fortus 250 3D Printers with a Start-up Kit, Insight Software, and a 1 year Warranty
2. Fortus 250 Printer Cart with storage. Dimensions are 848 mm X 680 mm X 736 mm
3. Fortus 250 Delivery, installation and machine testing
4. (4) Fortus 250 Soluble support SR-30 single material cartridge. (Part # 340-30500)
5. (4) Stratasys Dimension P430 Model Cartridge for 1200es & Elite & Fortus 250 – Ivory
6. Stratasys SCA 1200 Support Cleaning Apparatus for 100-120VAC/60 Hz; 15A. 8.3 Gallon Tank Capacity.
7. (4)Stratasys Dimension P430 Model Cartridge for 1200es & Elite & Fortus 250 – BLACK (Part# 340-21202)
8. (4)Stratasys Dimension P430 Model Cartridge for 1200es & Elite & Fortus 250 – BLUE
9. (4)Stratasys Dimension P430 Model Cartridge for 1200es & Elite & Fortus 250 – DARK GRAY
10. (4)Stratasys Dimension P430 Model Cartridge for 1200es & Elite & Fortus 250 – FLUORESCENT YELLOW
11. (4)Stratasys Dimension P430 Model Cartridge for 1200es & Elite & Fortus 250 – WHITE

Those companies interested in making an offer via the reverse auction format, may submit their quotes at FedBid.com, which is a fully managed marketplace that many government organizations have used in the past procurement of government property. All offerors must register at the site prior to presenting a quote.

For those who are unaware, the Stratasys Fortus 250 is quite a powerful machine. It can be used to produce durable prototypes, end-use parts, as well as manufacturing tools. It is an FDM machine, and prints with ABSplus thermoplastic, which Stratasys offers in nine different colors.  Below are some of the basic specifications of the machine:

• Build Envelope: 254 x 254 x 305 mm (10 x 10 x 12 in.)
• Layer Thickness: Can Be set at various levels: 0.013 inch (0.330 mm), 0.010 inch (0.254 mm), 0.007 inch (0.178 mm
• Printer Weight: 326 lbs
• Print Material: ABSplus-P430

The reverse auction will run from now until tomorrow, Thursday the 28th. Let’s hear your thoughts on the Navy’s search for yet another 3D printer, in the Navy, Fortus 250mc 3D Printer forum thread on 3DPB.com.