High Resolution Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. It constitutes the only solicitation, and quotes are requested. The acquisition is a small business set-aside and is Brand Name only for ThermoFisher Scientific Orbitrap Exploris GC 240 or equivalent equipment and software.

• The primary requirement is for a High Resolution GC-MS, as detailed in Attachment 1 (Statement of Work).

• Offerors must provide a firm-fixed-price quotation for CLIN 0001.

• Quotations must demonstrate that the proposed equipment meets or exceeds all minimum requirements specified in the Statement of Work, with supporting documentation and citations.

• Evidence of manufacturer authorization to provide the item(s) is required if applicable.

• This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) with solicitation number 1333ND26QNB030161.

• The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with 1,000 employees.

• Price quotations must remain valid for 90 days.

• Submission Deadline: April 17, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to cielo.ibarra@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly divided into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible offeror proposing the lowest price that meets all required technical specifications. Award will be based on the lowest priced, technically acceptable offer.

• Discussions: The Government may award without discussions based solely on initial quotes.

• Inquiries: Written questions must be submitted to both email addresses no later than 2 calendar days after issuance.

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

• 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.

• Incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through the RFO.

• Delivery and acceptance dates, and FOB point, are in the Statement of Work.

• If proposing products manufactured outside the U.S., identify any applicable charges (tariffs) as a separate line item.

• If objecting to terms and conditions, state exceptions clearly in the quotation.

Statement of Work (SOW)

NIST requires a high-resolution Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) system to conduct non-targeted analysis for compound discovery of contaminants at ultratrace levels in ultra-pure water and other solvents. This will enhance yield in semiconductor manufacturing by identifying trace organic impurities.

• Procurement of a ThermoFisher Scientific Orbitrap Exploris GC 240 or equivalent GC-HRMS system.

• The system must support various injection techniques including liquid, headspace (static and dynamic), solid-phase microextraction (SPME, including Arrow SPME), and purge-and-trap.

• Requires high-resolution (>100,000 at m/z 200) and high-accuracy mass spectrometry (<5 ppm external calibration).

• Must be capable of both Electron Ionization (EI) and Chemical Ionization (CI), with MS/MS capability.

• Includes an autosampler with automated tool changing for multiple sample introduction techniques, sample stirring, heating, and an SPME conditioning station.

• A compatible, automated purge and trap autosampler system is required, capable of analyzing liquid and solid samples, with a removable transfer line and foam sensor.

• An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is required for hardware protection.

• Integrated instrument control and data analysis software, including compound discovery software for non-target analysis, is necessary. An additional data analysis license is required.

• A movable lab bench, no larger than 230 cm x 121 cm x 250 cm, with lockable wheels and sufficient weight capacity, is required if the instrument is a benchtop model.

• Delivery: 90 calendar days after award.

• Installation: 60 calendar days after delivery.

• Training: Multiple sessions, with the last completed no more than 240 calendar days after installation.

• Place of Performance: NIST, Gaithersburg, MD facility.

• Period of Performance: Date of award through 390 days after award.

• All equipment must be new; used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, or custom items are not acceptable.

• "Gray market" components are not acceptable.

• Brand Name only: ThermoFisher Scientific.

• Installation, familiarization, and advanced operations/maintenance training are required.

• Delivery Terms: F.O.B Destination.

• A 5-year extended warranty on the GC-HRMS system and autosampler is required, including annual preventative maintenance and on-site corrective maintenance with a four business day response time.

• Optional line items for extended warranties on specific components (e.g., helium saver, headspace, SPME, purge and trap) and a recirculating chiller bath are listed.

• Government reserves the right to perform performance tests.

• Acceptance testing includes verification of all minimum specifications and successful demonstration of performance metrics.

• Visual inspection for damage during transport.

• Acceptance within 60 working days of receipt.

• Ownership transfers upon Government acceptance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains solicitation provisions and contract clauses that are incorporated by reference or in full text. It outlines terms and conditions relevant to potential bidders and awarded contractors.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (52.252-1): Notifies offerors that provisions are included by reference and may require completion. Provides links to access full text.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference (52.252-2): Informs that contract clauses are incorporated by reference and provides links for access.
• List of Incorporated Provisions and Clauses: Details numerous FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and agency-specific provisions and clauses, many with "DEVIATION JAN 2026" indicating recent changes. These cover a wide range of topics including:
  • Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales
  • Whistleblower Rights
  • Payments to Influence Federal Transactions
  • System for Award Management (SAM)
  • Reporting Requirements
  • Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations
  • Representations and Certifications
  • Commercial Products and Services Terms and Conditions (FAR 52.212-4)
  • Trade Agreements
  • Place of Manufacture
  • Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (related to Iran, Sudan, telecommunications equipment)
  • Authorized Deviations
  • Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) designation and limitations
  • Protest procedures (Agency, GAO, Court of Federal Claims)
  • Place of Acceptance
  • NIST specific clauses regarding operating status, electronic billing, and invoicing platforms.
• Full Text Clauses: Provides the complete text for FAR 52.212-4 (Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services) and FAR 52.225-6 (Trade Agreements Certificate), FAR 52.225-18 (Place of Manufacture), and FAR 52.240-90 (Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications).

Bidders must carefully review all incorporated provisions and clauses, especially those with deviations, as they define the terms of the contract, submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and compliance obligations. Pay close attention to FAR 52.212-4 for commercial item contracts, trade agreement certifications, place of manufacture, and security-related representations. Understanding these terms is crucial for preparing a compliant and competitive offer. The NIST-specific clauses detail administrative and operational requirements for performance and invoicing.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial products or services, specifically a ThermoFisher Scientific Orbitrap Exploris GC 240 or equivalent equipment and software. The acquisition is being solicited as a small business set-aside.

• High Resolution GC-MS system as detailed in Attachment 1 (Statement of Work).

• Equipment must be Brand Name only: ThermoFisher Scientific Orbitrap Exploris GC 240 or equivalent.

• Contract type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• Evaluation will be based on lowest priced, technically acceptable offer.

• Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to cielo.ibarra@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov. Reference RFQ number 1333ND26QNB030161 in the subject line.

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

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (addressing technical approach, capability, and demonstrating how proposed equipment meets or exceeds SOW requirements with citations and evidence).
  • Volume II: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for each CLIN, including all shipping costs and tariffs. Must remain valid for 90 days).
  • Volume III: Terms and Conditions (complete any required information and state any exceptions to the solicitation's terms and conditions).

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible offeror meeting all technical specifications and proposing the lowest price.

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit questions in writing to both email addresses above no later than 2 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• Small business set-aside.

• 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.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (size standard: 1,000 employees).

• Referenced Attachments: Attachment 1 (Statement of Work), Attachment 2 (Applicable Provisions and Clauses).

• Government reserves the right to make award without discussions based on initial quotes.