Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE‑SEM) System

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Appendix A - Argonne Terms and Conditions for Commercial Goods and Services," outlines the standard terms and conditions that apply to commercial goods and services procured by Argonne National Laboratory. It serves as a critical attachment to contracts, detailing the legal and operational framework for such agreements.

• Definitions: Clarifies terms like "Argonne National Laboratory," "Laboratory," "Government," and "Laboratory Procurement Official."
• Clauses: Includes numerous clauses covering various aspects of the contract, such as Assignment, Audits, Changes, Conduct of Employees, Cybersecurity, Disputes, Environmental Protection, Excusable Delays, Inspection, Integration, Site Access, Limitation of Liability, Non-Waiver of Defaults, Order of Precedence, Packaging, Payments, Public Release of Information, State and Local Taxes, Survival, Suspect Counterfeit Parts, and Termination.
• Incorporated by Reference: Lists specific Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulations (DEAR) clauses that are incorporated by reference, along with their applicability.
• Thresholds: Defines Micro-Purchase Threshold ($15,000) and Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) ($350,000).
• Suspect/Counterfeit Bolt Headmark List: Provides a list of headmarks to identify suspect or counterfeit bolts, treating any bolt on the list as defective without further testing.

This document is highly relevant to potential bidders as it establishes the contractual obligations, rights, and responsibilities for both Argonne National Laboratory and the contractor. Bidders must review these terms and conditions to understand the legal framework, compliance requirements (e.g., cybersecurity, environmental protection, ethical conduct), payment terms, dispute resolution processes, and conditions for termination. The "Suspect/Counterfeit Bolt Headmark List" is particularly important for vendors supplying hardware to ensure compliance and avoid issues with non-conforming materials.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To acquire a new Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) equipped with a Wavelength Dispersive Spectrometer (WDS) to enhance the analytical capabilities of the NanoScience and Technology (NST) Division at Argonne National Laboratory. This acquisition is part of a recapitalization plan to update aging equipment and will support cutting-edge research in various scientific fields.

• Procure a new SEM with specific capabilities, including sub-nanometer spatial resolution, a field emission gun, and a WDS detector capable of elemental detection limits down to 100ppm.

• Integrate existing Cathodoluminescence (CL) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) systems from older microscopes into the new SEM platform.

• The new SEM must be capable of imaging insulating/beam-sensitive samples using deceleration mode.

• Include a retractable directional backscatter electron detector (DBS) and a retractable scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) detector.

• Provide heating and cryogenic stages with controllers.

• A strongly desired option is an Ultra-Fast Beam Blanker with a pulse width (FWHM) ≤600 ps for time-resolved capabilities.

• The vendor is responsible for delivery, installation, testing, and a minimum 1-year warranty.

• Removal of old microscopes (Hitachi 4700 and FEI Quanta) is included.

• Resolution below 1 nm.

• Beam current range from a few picoamperes to a few tens of nanoamperes.

• WDS detector elemental detection limits down to 100ppm.

• Ultra-Fast Beam Blanker pulse width (FWHM) ≤600 ps (strongly desired).

• Delivery by mid-June 2026.

• Installation and testing to be completed within 2 months after delivery.

• Place of Performance: Room DL-120 in D-wing of Building 212, Argonne National Laboratory.

• Vendor must provide two priced configurations: Base System and Base System + Optional Ultra-Fast Beam Blanker.

• A key person from the vendor must be designated for warranty support and able to perform without direct supervision.

• The vendor must integrate the existing Bruker EDS with the new WDS.

Other / Unclassified

This document, titled "Moderate Risk On-Site Supplemental Conditions," outlines specific requirements and conditions for contractors performing on-site work at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) designated as "Moderate Risk." It details critical aspects of contractor operations, including approval to proceed, indemnity clauses, insurance requirements, and comprehensive Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) protocols.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it establishes the operational framework and compliance obligations for any on-site work. Key areas of relevance include:

• Approval to Proceed: Contractors must obtain explicit approval before commencing any on-site work.
• Indemnity: Outlines the contractor's responsibility to hold ANL and the U.S. Government harmless against losses and damages, including liability for damage to property and personal injury.
• Insurance: Specifies the types and minimum limits of insurance coverage required, including General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Professional Liability.
• Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H): Details extensive requirements for protecting personnel and the environment. This includes adherence to specific CFR regulations (e.g., 10 CFR 851), the need for a DOE-approved Worker Safety and Health Program (WSHP), and the submission of Job Safety Analyses (JSAs). It also covers incident reporting, site access procedures, electrical safety, tool inspection, and laboratory site rules.
• Disciplinary Program: Establishes a progressive disciplinary system for safety violations and misconduct, with potential consequences including suspension of site access and impact on future contract awards.
• FAR/DEAR Clauses: Incorporates specific Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) clauses related to personal identity verification, pollution prevention, and access to records.

Bidders must carefully review these supplemental conditions to understand the full scope of responsibilities and compliance requirements associated with performing work at the ANL site.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "ANL-70B Reps and Certs Long-13-JAN-2025.PDF," is a "Representation and Certifications (Long Version)" form. It requires potential offerors to provide detailed information and certifications related to their business, compliance, and eligibility for government contracts. This form is applicable to all offers and solicitations.

• General Information: Includes legal name, UEI, Doing Business As, physical address, primary performance location, and primary contact details.
• Business Organization - Entity Type: Requires selection of the entity type and state of incorporation.
• Small Business Program: Requires selection of applicable small business classifications.
• NAICS Code: Requires provision of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code and Size Standard.
• FAR Clauses: Contains numerous representations and certifications related to various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, including:
  • Covered Telecommunications Equipment of Service (FAR 52.204-26)
  • Laboratory Terms and Conditions
  • Suspect Counterfeit/Parts Certification
  • Personal Conflict of Interest Certification
  • Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software (FAR 52.227-14)
  • Certification As To Small Business or Non-Profit Status (Public Law 96-517)
  • Exemption from Service Contract Labor Standards (FAR 52.222-48, 52.222-52)
  • Affirmative Action Compliance (FAR 52.222-25)
  • Equal Opportunity Compliance (FAR 52.222-26)
  • Buy American Act – Supplies (FAR 52.225-1)
  • Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (FAR 52.204-10)
  • Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Proposed Debarment and other Responsibility Matters (FAR 52.209-5)
  • Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor (FAR 52.222-18)
  • Compliance Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (FAR 52.203-11)
  • Compliance with Veteran's Employment Reporting Requirements (FAR 52.222-37)
  • Certificate of Independent Price Determination (FAR 52.203-2)
  • Covenant Against Contingent Fees (FAR 52.203-5)
  • Combatting Trafficking in Persons – Deviation (FAR 52.222-50)
  • Cost Accounting Standards Notices and Certification (FAR 52.230-1)
• Instructions for Completion: Each section provides specific instructions for offerors to follow, often requiring a check of boxes or provision of detailed information.

This document is critical for any bidder responding to a solicitation from Argonne National Laboratory. It outlines the mandatory representations and certifications required to be eligible for contract award. Failure to accurately complete and submit this form may result in an offer being deemed non-responsive or rejected. Bidders must carefully review each section to ensure compliance with all applicable federal regulations and contract requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) from Argonne National Laboratory for the acquisition of a Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) system, including installation and testing. The government is procuring this equipment to support its operations.

• A Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) system.

• Installation and testing services for the FE-SEM system.

• Bidders must provide two priced configurations: 1) Base System (no ultra-fast beam blanker) and 2) Base System + Optional Ultra-Fast Beam Blanker.

• The system must meet specifications detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW).

• Shipping insurance is not to be included in proposals as Argonne is self-insured.

• The resulting Purchase Order will be subject to Argonne Terms and Conditions.

• Payment terms are Net 30 days.

• Shipping is F.O.B. Destination.

• Quotations must be received no later than 01/30/2026, 5:00 PM CST.

• Inquiries are to be directed to Jenna Doria at jdoria@anl.gov or (630) 252-6988 no later than 01/26/2026, 12:00 PM CST.

• Bidders must provide lead time and shipping origin information.

• The "Country of Origin" must be defined, adhering to FAR 52.225-1 for Buy American-Supplies.

• Bidders must complete and return one copy of the RFQ. Mark "NO BID" if unable to quote.

• The "Country of Origin" requirements suggest potential Buy American Act considerations.

• Applicable documentation includes: Appendix A (Terms and Conditions), Appendix B (Statement of Work), Reps & Certs (ANL-70B), and Moderate Risk Work by Contractors (ANL-366M).