High-Temperature In-Situ (HTIS) Indenter

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 2 - Applicable Clauses.pdf," lists and incorporates by reference numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency-specific clauses and provisions. It serves to inform potential bidders of the terms and conditions that will govern any resulting contract.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (52.252-1): Notifies offerors that solicitation provisions are incorporated by reference and provides links to access their full text.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference (52.252-2): Notifies offerors that contract clauses are incorporated by reference and provides links to access their full text.
• List of Incorporated Clauses/Provisions: A comprehensive list of FAR and agency-specific clauses and provisions, including but not limited to:
  • Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government
  • Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights
  • Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions
  • Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements
  • System For Award Management (SAM) related clauses
  • Trade Agreements
  • Place of Manufacture
  • Security Prohibitions and Exclusions
  • Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) responsibilities
  • Agency Protests and GAO/Court of Federal Claims Protests
  • Place of Acceptance
  • Contract Performance During NIST Operating Status
  • Electronic Billing Instructions
  • Invoicing Processing Platform (IPP)
• Full Text Provisions and Clauses: Includes the full text for 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, and order of precedence.

This document is critical for bidders as it outlines the legal and contractual framework of the opportunity. Understanding these incorporated clauses and provisions is essential for:

• Accurately preparing proposals and certifications.
• Assessing compliance requirements.
• Understanding payment, invoicing, and dispute resolution processes.
• Identifying potential risks and obligations related to contract performance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products, specifically the CHIPS R&D High-Temp In-Situ indenter (HT-IS). It is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under unrestricted competition. The government is procuring this item in accordance with FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

• The primary item is the HT-IS, IAW Attachment 1.

• Options include service contracts for years 1 and 2, and extended warranties for years 1 and 2.

• CLIN 0006 covers transportation and other related expenses (Not-to-Exceed amount).

• The Statement of Work (Attachment 1) details the specific requirements for the HT-IS.

• The acquisition will result in a single purchase order (PO).

• The contract type will be firm-fixed-price.

• Price quotations must remain valid for 90 days.

• Due Date for Quotations: Electronic quotations must be received by 11:00 am Eastern Time, April 12, 2026.

• Submission Method: Email to forest.crumpler@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Must be submitted in writing to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer no later than 5 calendar days after the solicitation issuance date.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, indexed, and logically assembled. Quotations should be divided into four volumes: Technical Quotation, Demonstrated Experience, Price Quotation, and Terms and Conditions.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on best value, considering price and other factors. Non-priced factors are significantly more important than price. Evaluation factors include Technical Capability, Experience, and Price.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• SAM Registration: Offerors must have an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission and through award.

• Attachment 1: Statement of Work.

• Attachment 2: Applicable Provisions and Clauses.

• No prototypes, demonstration models, used, or refurbished instruments will be considered.

• Offerors must clearly demonstrate how their proposed equipment meets or exceeds minimum requirements, providing citations from the SOW.

• For products manufactured outside the United States, identify any other or unknown charges (CLIN 0006) separately.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To acquire an instrumented indentation device, referred to as a High-Temperature In-Situ (HT-IS) Indenter, for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Material Measurement Laboratory (MML). This device will enable in-situ observation of deformation phenomena during mechanical testing within a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) at elevated temperatures (up to 400 °C) and vacuum conditions. The goal is to study temperature-dependent mechanical properties of materials used in advanced semiconductor packaging.

• Procurement of one (1) HT-IS Indenter system compatible with a specific FEI Quanta 200 FEG ESEM.

• The system must conduct quasi-static and dynamic indentation testing (up to 500 mN), high-speed indentation mapping (at least 30 indents/min), scratch testing (up to 200 mN), and scanning probe microscopy (SPM).

• The indenter must operate in vacuum conditions and at temperatures up to 400 °C, with active heating and temperature monitoring capabilities.

• Includes two indenter probes (Berkovich and Cube Corner) and ten sample mounts.

• Provision of all necessary hardware and software for installation and operation.

• Training for up to two (2) users on system operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

• One year of preventive maintenance and technical support, followed by a second year of service.

• One year of extended warranty, followed by a second year of extended warranty.

• Period of Performance: 40 weeks from the date of award for the HT-IS Indenter (including delivery, installation, and training). Service contracts and extended warranties are for 12 months each from the date of award.

• Place of Performance: NIST campus in Gaithersburg, MD, Building 223, Lab A126.

• All equipment must be new; used or remanufactured items are not acceptable.

• "Gray market" components are not allowed.

• Installation and training must be completed within 21 days of delivery.

• Contractor personnel must meet specific qualifications, safety, and security requirements for NIST campus access.

• Payment is contingent upon successful installation, acceptance, demonstration, and training.

• Delivery terms are FOB Destination.