Sources Sought Benchtop EPR/ESR Spectrometer

Project ID: NB686080-26-01894 FederalOpportunitiesSources Sought

Overview

Agency	National Institute of Standards and Technology
Deadline	06/26/26
Posted	06/12/26
Estimated Value	$75,000 - $180,000 (AI estimate)
Set Aside	None
NAICS	334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
PSC	6640 - Laboratory Equipment And Supplies
Location	Boulder, CO 80305 United States

Description

Primary Latest Change

Summary

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Sources Sought for Commercial Product Purchase

THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION. It is a market research tool being used to determine potential and eligible business firms that can provide the product described herein prior to determining the method of acquisition. The National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) seeks information on vendors that can provide a Benchtop EPR/ESR Spectrometer per the specifications attached herein. This announcement is not a Request for Proposals or Quotes (RFP/RFQ) and does not commit the Government to award a contract now or in the future. The information contained in this notice is DRAFT only and, as such, is subject to change prior to the issuance of a solicitation. No solicitation is available currently. Additionally, the Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources because of this Sources Sought announcement. The results of this Sources Sought will be utilized to determine if any Small Business Set-aside opportunities exist. All Small Business Set-aside categories will be considered. In addition, this market research tool is being used to identify potential and eligible firms, of all sizes, who manufacture the Benchtop EPR/ESR Spectrometer in the U.S. prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a solicitation. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT COUNTRY MANUFACTURES THIS PRODUCT. After the results of this market research are obtained and analyzed, NIST may conduct a competitive or non-competitive procurement on the System for Award Management (sam.gov) and subsequently award a contract. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified during this market research stage that can fulfill the requirement, in accordance with the Specifications, then this acquisition shall be solicited as a small business set aside, however, NIST is seeking responses from ALL responsible sources, including large and small businesses. Responses should include the country where the product is manufactured. This requirement is assigned a NAICS code of 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. Interested business organizations that believe they can meet the requirements should submit electronic copies of their capability statement. Please limit responses to four (4) pages or less. Responses should include the following information: - Name of the company that will provide the product(s). - Name of the company that will manufacture the product. - County of origin or manufacture of the product. - Spec/data sheets and examples of products that meet the specifications that demonstrate experience in meeting the requirements of this procurement. - Typical lead time to deliver the product after receipt of order - Any other relevant information that is not listed above that the Government should consider in developing its minimum specifications and finalizing its market research. (Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered.) Any proprietary information should be so marked. The written capability statement should be received by the Contract Specialist, Angela Hitt via email at angela.hitt@nist.gov no later than the date and time posted in this notice. No quotes will be accepted at this time and will not be considered.

REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW

See the attached Requirements and Specifications document

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking information from vendors capable of providing a Benchtop EPR/ESR Spectrometer. This initiative is part of NIST's mission to enhance measurement capabilities for the magnetic resonance community. The goal is to identify potential suppliers who can meet the specifications for this equipment, which will allow for advanced studies in electron paramagnetic resonance, a technique vital for observing electron behaviors in various materials. Work Details The contract involves the supply of one Benchtop EPR/ESR Spectrometer with the following specifications: 1. Operational frequency: X-band (8 to 12 GHz) 2. Sensitivity: 5 x 10^10 spins/mT (or 5 x 10^9 spins/G) 3. Signal-to-noise ratio: 600:1 or better 4. Microwave power: Required range of 10 uW to 100 mW, recommended as low as 1 uW and/or as high as 200 mW 5. Field homogeneity within sample region: ±5 uT (50 mG) or better 6. Field stability: 1 uT/h (10 mG/h) 7. Magnetic field sweep range: Required -10 to 650 mT (-100 to 6500 G), recommended -1000 to 6500 mT or better 8. Modulation frequency: Required 10 kHz to 100 kHz, recommended higher frequency if possible 9. Resonator unloaded Q: 5000 or better 10. Warranty: Required minimum of 3 years from date of acceptance, recommended up to 5 years 11. Software requirements include compatibility with Windows 11 and must run locally on a Dell Workstation PC provided by NIST, including features for automated calibration, data processing, and export capabilities. 12. A standard sample set measuring G-factor, magnetic field sweep, hyperfine splitting, and signal-to-noise ratio/instrument sensitivity must be included. Period of Performance Delivery and installation are expected to be completed within 20 weeks. Place of Performance The equipment will be delivered to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Bidder Requirements Vendors must provide information on their capability to meet the specifications outlined above, including details about the country of manufacture for the product. Responses should demonstrate experience with similar products and include any relevant certifications or authorizations required for bidding.

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