66--ULTIM INFINITY 170 WITH SW/HW EDS or Equal

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (0001) provides Questions and Answers as Attachment A.

• All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

• Attachment A (Questions and Answers) is a new addition.

• No changes to proposal deadlines or submission requirements are indicated, beyond the inclusion of Attachment A for bidder reference.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation for the Oxford Instruments Ultim Infinity 170 or equal system for the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

• Compatibility Requirement: The Government requires that any quoted system, whether the Oxford brand or an equal product, must be fully compatible with the existing Oxford detector platform to enable simultaneous, synchronized data collection from multiple detectors (e.g., EBSD/EDS or EDS/BEX combinations).
• Functional Integration: This level of functional integration is essential to meet USGS analytical and operational requirements by reducing data-collection time, minimizing beam exposure on sensitive samples, and ensuring consistent, scientifically valid datasets.
• Software Environment: A single, unified software environment is preferred over separate software packages for each detector to reduce analysis time, lower user error risk, and support reproducible workflows.
• Equal Products: While the salient characteristics are based on the Oxford system's performance and compatibility, equal products that can demonstrably meet all integration and performance requirements will be considered.

This Q&A clarifies the critical requirement for system compatibility and integration, emphasizing that while the specified brand is a benchmark, equivalent performance and compatibility from other vendors will be evaluated.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) seeks proposals for an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center in Denver, CO. The instrument will support the Energy and Minerals Mission Area. The solicitation specifies the "Oxford Instruments Ultim Infinity 170 or equal" as the required instrument.

• Instrument: Oxford Instruments Ultim Infinity 170 or an "equal" product meeting specific salient characteristics.

• Salient Characteristics:

  • Physical: Sensor size >= 150 mm², attachment to FEI 450 Quanta FESEM rear EDS port, motorized detector with digital control, thin window for beryllium detection, integrated Peltier cooling system.
  • Functional: Detects elements Be through U, compatible with Oxford E1/X4 control boxes and Unity/C-Nano hardware, supports automated workflows, stores EDS data cubes, includes rigorous quantification and phase analysis capabilities, and has pulse pile-up suppression/correction.
  • Performance: Factory-characterized output, resolution < 50 eV at 50,000 cps (C Ka), < 130 eV at 200,000 cps (Mn Ka), drift < 2 eV, capable of 1,000,000 cps without artifacts.

• Warranty: Minimum one-year standard manufacturer's warranty.

• Delivery: FOB Destination within 180 days after receipt of order.

• Installation: Performed by a factory-trained engineer within 90 days of delivery.

• Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: Estimated to commence on the date of award, running from 08/03/2026 to 04/30/2027.

• Submission Deadline: June 22, 2026, 2:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations only, submitted via email to lisa_williams@ios.doi.gov.

• Evaluation: Award will be made based on FAR Overhaul Part 12 procedures, using streamlined evaluation. The award will go to the responsible vendor whose quotation is technically acceptable and lowest-priced.

• Technical Acceptability: Requires full compliance with salient characteristics and submission of complete technical documentation (brochures, specifications, configuration details).

• Questions Deadline: June 17, 2026, 2:30 p.m. MDT.

• NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing).

• Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• Set-Aside: Not a Small Business Set-Aside.

• SAM Registration: Vendors must have an active Federal Government contracts registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of quotation submission and award.

• This solicitation utilizes FAR Overhaul Part 12 for acquisition of commercial products and services.

• Vendors must be the original equipment manufacturer or an authorized distributor/reseller.

• All clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and are those in effect through FAC 2026-01.

• Specific IT security requirements, including FISMA, cybersecurity, and privacy act considerations, are detailed throughout the document.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is for market research purposes to identify parties interested in and capable of providing an Energy Dispersive Detector upgrade (brand name or equal to Oxford Instruments Ultim Infinity 170) for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center in Denver, CO. The research aims to determine the method of procurement and may inform a set-aside for small businesses or full and open competition.

• Product: Energy Dispersive Detector (brand name or equal to Oxford Instruments Ultim Infinity 170).

• Physical Characteristics: Sensor size >= 150 mm2, attachment to existing FEI 450 Quanta FESEM rear EDS port, motorized detector digitally controlled, thin window for Be detection, built-in Peltier cooling system.

• Functional Characteristics: Detect elements Be through U, compatible with Oxford El and X4 control boxes, seamless integration with existing Oxford Unity and C Nano detector hardware, automated workflows, software to store full EDS data cube, rigorous quantification routine, phase analysis, pulse pile up suppression and correction.

• Performance Characteristics: Factory characterized output, specific resolution at C Ka and Mn Ka, minimal resolution drift, high throughput capability (1,000,000 cps) without artifacts.

• Country of Origin: Preference for products mined, produced, or manufactured in the U.S.

• Information Requested: Brand Name or Equal Product Information (with specification sheets and brochures), Place of Manufacturing / Country of Origin, Business Size and Socioeconomic Status, Company Information (point of contact, SAM UEI, SAM.gov registration confirmation).

• Deadline: May 11, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

• Submission Method: Via email to lisa_williams@ios.doi.gov.

• Note: This is NOT a formal solicitation (RFP, RFQ, IFB). The government will not award a contract based on responses and will not pay for information submitted. Respondents will not be notified of evaluation results.

• NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), size standard 1,000 employees.

• Responses will help determine if the requirement may be set-aside for small businesses or procured through full and open competition.

• Businesses must indicate their size and socioeconomic status (ISBEE, Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, Other than Small Business).

• Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

• All submitted information is voluntary.