Gas Chromatograph with Flame Ionization Detector and Pulsed Discharge Helium Ionization Detector for Impurity Analysis of Semiconductor Gases

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is for market research purposes to identify potential sources capable of providing a Gas Chromatograph with a Flame Ionization Detector and a Pulsed Discharge Helium Ionization Detector (GC-FID/PDHID). NIST requires this instrument for the Gas Sensing Metrology Group (GSMG) to develop primary standards and reference materials for "zero gas" semiconductor and electronics-grade gases, enabling the separation, identification, and quantification of trace impurities at sub-parts-per-billion levels.

The required instrument is a Gas Chromatograph (GC) with specific technical specifications, including:

• Configuration for analyzing gases from a cylinder via a regulator.
• Integrated Flame Ionization Detector (FID) and Pulsed Discharge Helium Ionization Detector (PDHID).
• 6-port gas sampling valve (GSV) with heating capability (up to 75 °C) and a sample loop up to 10 mL.
• Pneumatically actuated heart cut valve for diverting balance gas.
• Helium purifiers for PDHID.
• Capability to support packed columns for both injector and flow control.
• Software-controlled stream diversion for constant sample volume.
• 12-position stream select valve managed by instrument software.
• GC oven with temperature programming and liquid nitrogen cooling capability.
• Remote start/stop via contact closure and end-of-run signal output.
• Permanent software license for GC control, data collection, analysis, and Excel export.
• Software capable of controlling the 12-port GSV and allowing external programs (e.g., Visual Basic 6.0) to access analytical data and control the sample sequence.
• Operations and maintenance manual (digital and/or hard copy).

Interested parties should submit the following information:

• Company name, address, contact information, and Unique Entity ID (UEI) if registered in SAM.gov.
• Manufacturer name, model number, and technical specifications of proposed equipment.
• Information on reseller authorization status if not the manufacturer.
• Description of product performance capabilities and any additional features beneficial to NIST's objectives.
• Discussion on customization capabilities and limitations.
• Identification of any unmet specifications and suggestions for improvement.
• Country of manufacture for proposed equipment and any plans for changes.
• Business size (small or other than small) for the relevant NAICS code.
• Suggested alternative NAICS codes if applicable.
• Available services (installation, training, maintenance).
• Standard terms and conditions of sale (delivery time, FOB, warranty, extended warranty, setup, manuals, cleanup).
• Information on facility renovation services offered.
• Published pricing, discounts, rebates, or links to pricing.
• Identification of any Federal Supply Schedule contracts or other applicable contracts.
• List of public or private sector customers who received similar equipment.
• Any other valuable information for market research.
• Statement on whether NIST requires additional information or wishes to meet.

Responses are requested as soon as possible, preferably before the closing date. All entities must be registered and active in SAM.gov to be considered for award under any future solicitation.

This notice is for market research only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. No payment will be made for information provided. NIST reserves the right to use submitted information as deemed necessary. Responses will not be considered an adequate response to any future solicitation.