CHIPS R&D: Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 2 - Applicable Provisions and Clauses," lists and incorporates by reference various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions and clauses that are applicable to this solicitation and any resulting contract. It also provides the full text for some key clauses.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (52.252-1): States that provisions are incorporated by reference and provides links to access their full text electronically.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference (52.252-2): States that clauses are incorporated by reference and provides links to access their full text electronically.
• List of Incorporated Provisions and Clauses: A comprehensive list of FAR clauses and provisions, many with "DEVIATION JAN 2026," that apply to the contract. Notable examples include clauses related to System for Award Management (SAM), small business utilization, commercial items, and protest procedures.
• Full Text Clauses: Provides the complete text for FAR 52.212-4 (Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services) and FAR 52.225-4 (Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate), among others.
• NIST Local Clauses: Includes specific NIST clauses related to contract performance during changes in operating status, electronic billing instructions, and invoicing processing platforms.

Bidders must review this document carefully to understand all applicable legal and contractual requirements. This includes understanding the terms and conditions for commercial items, Buy American Act requirements, place of manufacture, security prohibitions, and protest procedures. The incorporated provisions and clauses will govern the performance of the contract and must be factored into proposal preparation and pricing. Pay close attention to any deviations and ensure compliance with all listed requirements.

Statement of Work (SOW)

The Chemical Process and Nuclear Measurements Group requires a research-grade Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometer to support a CHIPS R&D Metrology project. The project aims to characterize the stability and failure mechanisms of biofunctional semiconductor interfaces in chip-based biosensors, focusing on improving manufacturability and developing operando methods for biointerface characterization.

This SOW details the requirements for a new, research-grade FT-IR Spectrometer system. Key components include:

• FT-IR Spectrometer: A Bruker FT-IR Spectrometer with specific hardware and software capabilities, including KBr beamsplitter and windows, DLaTGS detector, fast scan option, external detector positions, trigger electronics, time-resolved measurement capability, and data processing software. Minimum technical specifications cover spectral range, resolution, accuracy, signal-to-noise ratio, interferometer type, speed, laser, scan type, spectral acquisition rate, ADC, optics bench purging, light source, beamsplitter, detector compatibility, beam outlet ports, windows, aperture wheel, filter wheel, external I/O, hardware interface, external detector interface, compatibility with Bruker accessories, and Ethernet communications.

• Software: A single software package for data acquisition, automation, and analysis compatible with Windows 11 64-bit. It must support time-resolved rapid-scan mode, sequence-based data acquisition, various data processing and visualization tools, batch exporting, instrument control, optical component recognition, saved instrument configurations, and programming interfaces (LabVIEW, Python).

• Detectors: One liquid-nitrogen cooled Bruker InSb Detector (10,000 to 1,850 cm-1) and one liquid-nitrogen cooled Bruker MCT Detector (12,000 to 600 cm-1), each with specific performance requirements and mounting capabilities.

• Accessory: One Bruker Wafer ATR Accessory for attenuated total reflection analysis of impurities in silicon wafers.

• Delivery: All line items are due no later than 14 weeks after receipt of order.

• Installation: To be completed by the Contractor no later than 1 month after delivery at NIST, Gaithersburg, MD.

• Place of Performance: All work shall be completed at the Contractor’s facility. Equipment will be delivered to NIST Gaithersburg for installation and acceptance testing.

• New Equipment: All items must be new; used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, custom, or "gray market" items are not acceptable.

• Packaging & Documentation: All items must be shipped in original manufacturer’s packaging with all original documentation and software.

• Cybersecurity: The solution must meet federal cybersecurity and privacy requirements (FISMA, OMB Circular A-130, FIPS Publication 200, SP 800-171), including specific controls for system security plans, IT management, access controls, vulnerability scanning, auditing, incident response, and data encryption (TLS 1.2+, FIPS 140-2/140-3 validated).

• Contractor Personnel: Must comply with NIST safety and security regulations, including obtaining NIST identification badges and registering vehicles.

• Warranty: Minimum of 1 year after acceptance.

• Payment: 100% after installation, acceptance, and successful demonstration of performance. Partial shipments/invoices are not accepted unless approved prior to award.

• Inspection & Acceptance: NIST will test and inspect equipment within 10 working days of receipt. NIST reserves the right to perform performance tests. Ownership transfers upon acceptance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (Request for Quotation - RFQ) for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Part 12. The government is seeking quotations for an FT-IR Spectrometer system and associated components.

The solicitation requests firm-fixed-price quotations for the following line items:

• CLIN 0001: FT-IR Spectrometer (IAW Attachment #1)
• CLIN 0002: InSb Detector (IAW Attachment #1)
• CLIN 0003: MCT Detector (IAW Attachment #1)
• CLIN 0004: Wafer ATR Accessory (IAW Attachment #1)
• CLIN 0005: Shipping and Installation
• CLIN 0006: Other transportation related charges (Not-to-Exceed amount)

Detailed requirements are provided in Attachment #1: STATEMENT OF WORK/REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT AND DRAWINGS, CHIPS R&D FT-IR Spectrometer.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO) using simplified acquisition procedures.

• Award Basis: Lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror.

• Submission Deadline: February 23, 2026, by 11:00 am Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to tracy.retterer@nist.gov and forest.crumpler@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, indexed (or have a Table of Contents), and divided into three distinct volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (demonstrating capability to meet or exceed SOW requirements with citations)
  • Volume II: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for each CLIN, including shipping; identify country of origin and tariffs if applicable)
  • Volume III: Terms and Conditions (address any exceptions)

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible offeror who meets all required technical specifications and proposes the lowest price.

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit questions in writing to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer no later than 5 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• This acquisition is solicited as a 100% small business set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 334519 with a small business size standard of 500 employees.

• SAM.gov Registration: Offerors must possess an ACTIVE registration in SAM.gov at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and final payment.

• Brand Name Justification: A brand name justification exists for Bruker Invenio R due to plug-and-play compatibility with existing Bruker optical components and proprietary software capabilities. Offerors must demonstrate how their proposed system meets or exceeds requirements.

• Attachments: Attachment #1 (SOW/Requirements) and Attachment #2 (Provisions and Clauses) are critical.

• Price Validity: Quotations must remain valid for 90 days from the due date.