Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Microscopy System

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Microscopy System. The system is required to support the analysis of unknown particulate contamination and microscopic fiber identification. This announcement serves as the only solicitation, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

• One (1) Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Microscopy System.

• The system must be in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW).

• Contract Type: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be Firm Fixed Price based on the "Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs" section.

• Period of Performance: Delivery required within 180 days after receipt of order (ARO).

• Delivery Location: Aerospace Fuels Laboratory, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL.

• Quotes Due Date: 29 April 2026 at 1:00 PM EST.

• Submission Method: Electronically via e-mail to Megan From (megan.from@us.af.mil) and Jennifer Blackford (jennifer.blackford@us.af.mil).

• E-mail Subject Line: "FA860126Q0020, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Microscopy System".

• E-mail Size Limit: Must not exceed 5 megabytes, including attachments. Compressed files are not permitted.

• Accepted Attachments: .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, or .xlsx. Other formats may be deleted.

• Required Information: Vendors must fully complete and return the 'Required Information Sheet'. Quotations must include pricing and a description of the supply/service.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical Evaluation (acceptable/unacceptable based on SOW compliance) and Price (determination of fair and reasonable price). The offer with the lowest evaluated price among technically acceptable offers will be selected.

• Quote Acceptance Period: Offerors must hold prices firm for 60 calendar days from the quote due date.

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

• NAICS Code: 334516

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• SAM Registration: Firms MUST be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

• The Government reserves the right to conduct interchanges, make no award, or cancel the solicitation.

• Offerors are prohibited from including customs duties in their quote price.

• Applicable provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference and can be accessed at www.acquisition.gov.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To procure a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microscopy system for the Aerospace Fuels Laboratory at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This system will be used for the analysis of unknown particulate contamination and microscopic fiber identification.

Procurement of one (1) FTIR microscopy system with the following capabilities:

• Transmission, reflection, and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy.

• Imaging of particles 10 µm or smaller.

• Spectrometer resolution of 0.5 cm-1 or better.

• Thermoelectrically cooled MCT detector (no liquid nitrogen required) covering the mid-IR range (4000 to 800 cm-1).

• Accommodation for samples up to 47 mm wide (e.g., filter membranes).

• High-resolution 5-megapixel or better optical imaging camera.

• Integrated purge system with nitrogen supply.

• Motorized x,y,z stage with coarse and fine controls.

• Control computer, keyboard, mouse, and monitor with necessary control software and licenses.

• Libraries for identifying polymers, fibers, and common microscopic contaminants, with automatic search capability.

• Software capable of measuring particle dimensions to the nearest µm or better.

• System dimensions: Microscope and spectrometer must fit on a table 30 inches deep by 60 inches long. Control computer may be on a separate table.

• All necessary accessories for transmission, reflection, and ATR modes.

• Configured for standard 120V single phase, 60 Hz electricity.

• Vendors must demonstrate directly employed staff qualified to install, train, and troubleshoot the system.

• Period of Performance: To be completed no later than 180 days from contract award.

• Delivery Location: SHIP TO DODAAC: FP2078, 15251 Scrub Jay St, Building 54800, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL 32920.

• Installation: On-site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

• Training: On-site training and familiarization for up to 3 people, at least 1 day.

• Installation: On-site installation and validation.

• Warranty: 1-year original equipment manufacturer warranty.

• Delivery Procedures: Proper shipping to the Aerospace Fuels Laboratory, including insurance. All shipping costs are to be included in the contractor's proposal. Specific inspection requirements apply to commercial vehicles entering the installation.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To procure a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microscopy system for the Aerospace Fuels Laboratory at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This system will support the analysis of unknown particulate contamination and microscopic fiber identification.

• Provide a fully integrated FTIR microscopy system capable of transmission, reflection, and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy.

• System must be capable of imaging particles 10 µm or smaller.

• Include a FTIR spectrometer with a resolution of 0.5 cm-1 or better.

• Utilize a thermoelectrically cooled MCT detector that does not require liquid nitrogen and covers the mid-IR range (4000 to 800 cm-1).

• Accommodate samples up to 47 mm wide, including a sample holder (typical samples are 47 mm filter membranes).

• Acquire optical images with a high-resolution 5-megapixel or better camera.

• Include necessary attachments and plumbing for a purge system (Nitrogen supplied as purge gas).

• Include a motorized x,y,z stage with coarse and fine controls.

• Provide a control computer, keyboard, mouse, and monitor with all necessary control software and licenses.

• Include libraries for identifying polymers, fibers, and other common microscopic contaminants, with automatic search capability.

• Software must measure particle dimensions to the nearest µm or better.

• Microscope and spectrometer must fit on a table 30 inches deep by 60 inches long; the control computer may be on a separate table.

• Include accessories for operation in transmission, reflection, and ATR modes.

• System must be configured for standard 120V single phase, 60 Hz electricity.

• Vendors must demonstrate directly employed staff qualified to install, train, and troubleshoot the system.

• Delivery: SHIP TO DoDAAC: FP2078, 15251 Scrub Jay St, Building 54800, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL 32920.

• Period of Performance: To be completed no later than 180 days from contract award.

• Training: On-site training and familiarization with instrumentation and control software for up to 3 people, at least 1 day.

• Installation: On-site installation and validation to meet manufacturer's specifications at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

• Warranty: 1 year original equipment manufacturer warranty.

• Delivery Procedures: Proper shipping with insurance included in proposal. Great care using standard, approved packaging methods. Specific inspection requirements for commercial vehicles entering the installation are detailed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions for bidders to submit survey information and capability data. It outlines the specific details required for a response, particularly for small business respondents interested in a potential small business set-aside.

Required Survey Information:

• Company name and physical mailing address
• Point of contact (phone and email)
• Ownership/control details (domestic/foreign, country if foreign, foreign national employee use)
• Socio-economic status (e.g., large, small, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB)
• DUNS/CAGE Code
• Web page URL (if applicable)
• Manufacturer status or name/size of manufacturer
• Statement on Government release of proprietary data
• Standard warranty information (if applicable)
• Recent sales history for commerciality determination

For Small Business Respondents (Potential Set-Aside):

• Specific details and rationale on how compliance with FAR clause 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting) would be achieved.
• Details on teaming arrangements, anticipated subcontracting percentages, and whether subcontractors will be small or large businesses.
• Previous teaming experience.

For All Respondents (Potential Subcontracting Requirement):

• Feedback on areas likely candidates for small business subcontracting.

Capability Survey Questions:

• Facility capabilities and nature of services/supplies provided.
• Staff composition and management structure.
• Past experience on similar projects (including contract details, agency, and POC).
• Identification of any requirements that would preclude the bidder's product/service.
• Information on established market prices and whether the offering is similar to commercial/government terms.

This document is critical for potential bidders to understand the information required for initial market research and capability assessments. It guides the content of their response, especially concerning small business status, subcontracting plans, and overall company capabilities. Failure to provide the requested information may impact the government's acquisition strategy and a bidder's consideration for the opportunity.