IR Spectrometer System

Amendment / Modification

This amendment provides responses to vendor questions and extends the submission deadline.

• Instrument Purpose: The instrument is intended to measure the emissivity of metal thin films as a function of temperature and wavelength when the sample is on a temperature-controlled stage.
• Sample Type: Metal thin film surfaces, including Platinum (Pt), will be analyzed. The number of samples per day depends on research needs.
• Ancillary Instruments: The IR spectrometer will be used with a temperature-controlled stage.
• Contractor Assistance: NIST has no present challenges they require contractor assistance to solve regarding the specified IR spectrometer.

The submission deadline has been extended to April 15, 2026, 4:00 PM ET.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To advance semiconductor manufacturing by providing reliable material properties for modeling and improved high-yield processing. This will assist industry by developing new measurement capabilities for next-generation devices and providing metrology solutions to improve manufacturing process yield.

• Deliver one (1) IR Spectrometer System.

• System must be capable of measuring the radiance of metal surfaces (e.g., platinum with emissivity of approx. 0.22 at 1550 nm) in the temperature range of 100 °C to 600 °C for wavelengths of 3.0 µm to 5.0 µm.

• The IR spectrometer must be a portable, mid-IR type.

• The system must include a one (1) year warranty.

• Detector Sensitivity: 130k counts/(ms µw).

• Minimum Detectable Optical Power: 5 pW/nm at the fiber entrance (exceeding dark noise at 100 ms integration time).

• Spectrometer Speed: Exceeding 250 Hz for full spectral range.

• Spectral Range: 3.0 µm - 5.0 µm.

• Spectrum Resolution: Equal to or better than 6 cm-1.

• Spot Size: 300 µm - 500 µm.

• Working Distance: 100 mm - 200 mm.

• Software: Must control parameters, collect spectra, save to non-proprietary files (text, hdf5), run on Windows 10/11, and include API if available.

• Physical: Mass not exceeding 10 kg, operate from standard US outlet (120 V, 15 A), no facility requirements for compressed gases or cryogens.

• Delivery: No later than twelve (12) weeks after receipt of award.

• Delivery Terms: F.O.B Destination (or equivalent INCOTERM such as DDP) to DOC/NIST, Shipping & Receiving, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301 (receiving), C/O TBD, Building 223 Room A329, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

• Warranty: Minimum of one (1) year, commencing upon Government acceptance.

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

• "Gray market" components are not authorized.

• All line items must ship in original manufacturer’s packaging with all original documentation and software.

• Inspection & Acceptance: NIST may perform performance tests and visual inspection. Government has 14 days from receipt for inspection and acceptance. Contractor may be present at their own expense during performance tests.

• Payment: Invoicing in arrears upon receipt of a proper invoice. Partial shipments/invoices not accepted unless approved prior to award.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document incorporates by reference Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) provisions and clauses. It also provides full text for specific provisions and clauses, including those related to the Buy American Act, authorized deviations, inquiries, agency protests, GAO/Court of Federal Claims protests, place of acceptance, contract performance during NIST operating status changes, and billing instructions.

• FAR 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate: Offerors must certify that end products are domestic and identify any foreign end products or domestic end products containing critical components. Specific details on how to list these are provided.

• Inquiries (CAR 1352.215-72): All questions must be submitted in writing to the Contract Specialist (Ranae Armstrong) and cc'd to the Contracting Officer (Don Collie) no later than three calendar days after solicitation issuance. Responses will be provided in an amendment.

• Protests (CAR 1352.233-70 & 1352.233-71): Instructions are provided for filing agency protests with the Contracting Officer or Protest Decision Authority, and for filing GAO or Court of Federal Claims protests. Service requirements for protest copies are detailed.

• Place of Acceptance (CAR 1352.246-70): Supplies and services will be accepted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

• NIST Operating Status: Contractors must check the NIST website daily for campus operating status and adhere to requirements. Specific phone numbers for Gaithersburg and Boulder campuses are provided. Procedures for work stoppage during appropriation lapses are outlined.

• Billing Instructions: Invoices must be sent electronically to INVOICE@NIST.GOV and include specific contract and invoice details. Payment requests may be superseded by electronic submission through the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) upon written notice.

• Proposals/Quotes: Specific submission instructions for proposals or quotes are not detailed in this document, but it references FAR 52.212-1 Instructions To Offerors--Commercial Products And Commercial Services.

• Evaluation: The government will evaluate offers in accordance with FAR Part 25 for the Buy American provision.

• Provisions related to Women-Owned Business (Other than Small Business) and Post-award Small Business Program Representation are incorporated by reference.

• Many provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference and may include deviations (indicated by "DEVIATION"). Full text is available at specified URLs.

• Offerors are cautioned that some provisions may require completion and submission with their offer.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. The government is seeking quotations for an IR Spectrometer System. This procurement will be competed on the open market.

• One (1) IR Spectrometer System.

• Requirements are detailed in the attached Statement of Work (SOW).

• Delivery and acceptance dates, and FOB point are required as per the SOW.

• This will result in a firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO) using simplified acquisition procedures.

• The government reserves the right to make an award without discussions based on initial quotes.

• Submission Deadline: Electronic quotations must be received by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on 04/06/26.

• Submission Method: Email to ranae.armstrong@nist.gov with a copy to Donald.collie@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Inquiries Deadline: Written questions must be received by 04/02/26 and submitted to both ranae.armstrong@nist.gov and Donald.collie@nist.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quotation is the lowest priced and technically acceptable.

  • Technical Capability: Must meet or exceed all specifications in the SOW. Product literature must clearly document compliance. No prototypes, used, or refurbished instruments will be considered.
  • Price: Proposed prices will be evaluated for reasonableness and compatibility with technical requirements.

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

• SAM.gov Registration: Quoters must have an ACTIVE registration in SAM.gov at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and final payment. Failure to maintain active registration will result in the quotation not being considered.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through RFO, supplemented by U.S. Department of Commerce Acquisition Policy.

• Quotations must be divided into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions.

• Any exceptions to terms and conditions must be clearly stated in the quotation.