Gas Chromatograph with Flame Ionization Detector

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation 1333ND26QNB030133, clarifying technical specifications for gas sampling.

• Type of Gas: Primarily bulk gases such as nitrogen, air, helium, and argon.
• Sample Composition: Ultra-high purity, inert bulk gases with an expected purity of 99.999% or better. Air samples will consist of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 0.9% argon.
• Specific Compounds to be Measured: Any trace impurities detectable, including nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, oxygen, and hydrocarbons. The specific compounds of interest may vary based on the bulk gas being analyzed.
• Desired Measurement Ranges: Sub-ppb levels.
• Required Lower Detection Limits (LDL): Less than 1 ppb.
• Operating Voltage: 120 volts.
• Rack Mount Kit / Internal Blender: No requirement for either.
• Converter and VBC (VDC/mA) Analog Requirements: No requirement.

These clarifications provide specific technical details that bidders should consider when preparing their proposals to ensure compliance with the government's requirements for gas analysis equipment.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To develop primary standards and reference materials for "zero gas" semiconductor and electronics-grade gases by creating specialized instrumentation for the separation, identification, and quantification of trace impurities at sub-parts-per-billion levels.

• Provide one (1) new Gas Chromatograph system equipped with a Flame Ionization Detector (FID) and a Pulsed Discharge Helium Ionization Detector (PDHID).

• The system must meet detailed technical specifications including:

  • 6-port gas sampling valve (GSV) with heating capability (up to 75 °C) and a 10 mL sample loop.
  • Pneumatically actuated heart cut valve.
  • Helium mass spectrometer leak-tested valves and helium purifiers for PDHID.
  • Injector and flow control system capable of supporting packed columns.
  • Micro-electrically actuated, 12-position stream select valve.
  • GC oven box with temperature program and liquid nitrogen cooling capability.
  • Remote start/stop and end of run signal out capabilities.

• Provide software to control GC functions, collect data, perform analysis, and export data to Excel with a permanent license.

• Software must allow access to analytical data and control of a 12-port gas sampling valve.

• Provide an operations and maintenance manual (digital and/or hard copy).

• Place of Performance: National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20899, Building 227.

• Period of Performance: Instrument delivery within 90 days after award. Installation within 10 days after receipt. Training within 10 days after installation.

• All equipment must be new; no used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, or custom items.

• "Gray market" components are not acceptable.

• Items must be shipped in original manufacturer's packaging with all documentation and software.

• Contractor shall provide installation, including unpacking, set-up, hook-up, start-up, demonstration, and trash removal.

• Contractor shall provide at least 2 hours of training for up to two NIST personnel on normal operation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.

• A one-year warranty covering parts, labor, and travel is required, commencing upon successful completion of delivery, installation, and training.

• Contractor personnel must comply with NIST safety, security, identification badge, and vehicle registration requirements.

• Contractor shall not respond to media inquiries; all such inquiries must be relayed to the NIST COR/CO.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a schematic diagram illustrating a gas chromatography (GC) system configuration. It details the flow path of gases and samples through various components, including valves, columns, and detectors.

• Valves: V1, V2, V3, V4, and a 10-port valve (UMTC-4CSD10MWE-TGA).
• Columns: Two 12' x 1/8" HSD 80/100 Silco columns (Column 1 and Column 2), and a CP6581 5m x 0.53mm Ultimetal Column Oven.
• Detectors: PDHID (Back) and FID (Front).
• Gas Sources: Helium (Aux 1, Aux 2) and Nitrogen (N2 EPC, N2 M.U. EPC).
• Sample Introduction: Sample Vent, Gas Sample Out, Front Packed and Purged Inlet.
• Control Components: HPM (High-Performance Module), EPC (Electronic Pressure Control).

This diagram is crucial for bidders to understand the analytical instrumentation and methodology intended for use in the opportunity. It provides insight into the technical setup for sample analysis, which may be relevant for understanding the scope of work, required expertise, or potential equipment needs for a bidder.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, specifically a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Gas Chromatograph. The acquisition is being solicited as full and open competition.

The solicitation requests quotations for the following line items:

• CLIN 0001: Gas Chromatograph (IAW Attachment #1)
• CLIN 0002: Operations and maintenance manual (IAW Attachment #1)
• CLIN 0003: Installation (IAW Attachment #1)
• CLIN 0004: Training (IAW Attachment #1)

Detailed requirements are provided in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment #1).

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO).

• Acquisition Procedures: Simplified acquisition procedures in accordance with Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Part 12.

• Submission Deadline: April 13, 2026, by 12:00 pm Eastern Time.

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

• Quotation Preparation: Quotations must be clearly written, indexed (or have a Table of Contents), and logically assembled. They must be divided into three distinct volumes:

  • Volume I – Technical Quotation (demonstrating capability and compliance with SOW)
  • Volume II – Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for each CLIN, including shipping)
  • Volume III – Terms and Conditions (addressing any exceptions)

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit written questions to junee.johnson@nist.gov and forest.crumpler@nist.gov no later than 2 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible offeror who meets all required technical specifications and proposes the lowest price (lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror).

• Award Basis: Award may be made without discussions based solely on initial quotes.

• NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

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

• Applicable provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference (Attachment #2).

• Price quotations must remain valid for 90 days.

• Offerors must clearly identify any exceptions to the terms and conditions.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 2 Clauses and Provisions," outlines various clauses and provisions that are incorporated by reference or in full text into the contract. It details standard legal and regulatory requirements that bidders must adhere to.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference: Lists provisions that apply to the solicitation phase, requiring offerors to complete certain blocks and submit them with their offer. Full text is available upon request or electronically via provided links.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists clauses that will be part of the resulting contract. Full text is available upon request or electronically.
• Clauses/Provisions Incorporated by Full Text: Includes the full text of FAR 52.212-4, "Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services," detailing definitions, inspection/acceptance, assignment, changes, disputes, excusable delays, invoicing, patent indemnity, payment terms, risk of loss, taxes, termination clauses (convenience and cause), title, warranty, limitation of liability, compliance with laws, order of precedence, unauthorized obligations, Comptroller General examination of records, and incorporation by reference of representations and certifications.
• Specific Provisions: Includes FAR 52.225-2 (Buy American Certificate), FAR 52.225-18 (Place of Manufacture), FAR 52.240-90 (Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications), and NIST local clauses related to contract performance during NIST operating status changes and electronic billing instructions.

Bidders must carefully review all incorporated provisions and clauses to understand their contractual obligations. This includes understanding requirements for representations and certifications, compliance with laws, payment procedures, and potential restrictions related to foreign products or services. Specific attention should be paid to FAR 52.212-4 as it contains fundamental terms and conditions for commercial item contracts. Bidders must also be prepared to complete and submit required certifications, such as the Buy American Certificate and Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations.