Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 2 - Applicable Provisions and Clauses," lists solicitation provisions and contract clauses that are incorporated by reference. It provides guidance on how offerors can access the full text of these provisions and clauses and how they should be submitted with proposals or offers.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998): States that solicitation provisions are incorporated by reference and that offerors can request the full text. It also provides links to access the FAR Overhaul and CAR electronically.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998): Similar to provisions, this section indicates that contract clauses are incorporated by reference and provides links for accessing their full text.
• List of Incorporated Clauses/Provisions: A comprehensive list of specific FAR and agency-specific clauses and provisions that are incorporated by reference. These cover a wide range of topics including restrictions on subcontractor sales, whistleblower rights, limitations on payments, representations and certifications, small business utilization, labor laws, Buy American, place of manufacture, security prohibitions, and more.
• FAR 52.212-4 TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEVIATION DATE): This section details various terms and conditions, including definitions, inspection/acceptance, assignment, changes, disputes, excusable delays, invoicing, patent indemnity, payment terms, risk of loss, taxes, termination for convenience and cause, title, warranty, limitation of liability, and compliance with laws.
• FAR 52.225-2 BUY AMERICAN CERTIFICATE (OCT 2022): Requires offerors to certify that end products are domestic and list any foreign end products or domestic end products with critical components.
• FAR 52.225-18 PLACE OF MANUFACTURE (DEVIATION JAN 2026): Requires offerors to indicate the place of manufacture for end products.
• FAR 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications. (DEVIATION JAN 2026): Addresses prohibitions and exclusions related to covered telecommunications equipment, FASCSA orders, and business operations in Sudan, as well as Iran representation and certifications.
• Agency-Specific Clauses (e.g., 1352.201-72, 1352.233-70, 1352.233-71, 1352.246-70): Includes clauses related to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), agency protests, GAO and Court of Federal Claims protests, and place of acceptance.
• NIST LOCAL Clauses: Specific local clauses related to contract performance during NIST operating status changes and electronic billing instructions.

This document is critical for bidders as it outlines the legal and regulatory framework governing the contract. It specifies numerous requirements, certifications, and representations that offerors must adhere to and provide. Bidders must carefully review each incorporated provision and clause to ensure their proposal meets all obligations, including those related to domestic content, security, labor, and payment procedures. Failure to address these incorporated terms could lead to a non-responsive offer.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products/services prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. It serves as the only solicitation, and no separate written solicitation will be issued. The government is procuring Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) equipment and related services.

• CLIN 0001: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument, as detailed in Attachment 1 (Statement of Work).

• CLIN 0002 (Optional): One (1) year of consumable and preventative maintenance (PM) service, as detailed in Attachment 1.

• CLIN 0003: Other transportation-related charges (Not-to-Exceed amount).

• The Statement of Work (Attachment 1) details the requirements for the line items.

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

• This solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

• The acquisition is a small business set-aside.

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

• Contract type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Due Date for Quotations: Electronic quotations must be received by 11:00 am Eastern Time, March 18, 2026.

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

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit questions in writing to forest.crumpler@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov no later than 2 calendar days after the solicitation issuance date. Responses will be provided in writing via amendment.

• Quotation Preparation: Quotations must be clearly written, indexed, and logically assembled. They must be divided into four volumes:

  • Volume I: Technical Quotation (demonstrating technical capability and meeting/exceeding minimum requirements with evidence).
  • Volume II: Demonstrated Experience (up to three relevant contracts/projects).
  • Volume III: Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for each CLIN, including shipping costs; valid for 90 days).
  • Volume IV: Terms and Conditions.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on best value, with non-priced factors being significantly more important than price. Evaluation factors include:

  • Technical Capability
  • Demonstrated Experience
  • Price

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

• Small business set-aside.

• Attachment 1: Statement of Work.

• Attachment 2: Applicable Provisions and Clauses.

• Offerors objecting to terms and conditions must state exceptions in writing. Failure to do so implies acceptance.

• If proposing products manufactured outside the US, identify any other or unknown charges (CLIN 0003) and relevant tariffs.

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

To develop new NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRMs), Reference Materials (RMs), and Research Grade Test Materials (RGTMs) of high-purity solids for the semiconductor industry. This aims to improve measurement science, metrology, and characterization of materials used in chip manufacturing.

• Develop new NIST capabilities using a tandem Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) instrument.

• Conduct research and development in NIST laboratories on the Gaithersburg campus.

• Provide spatial, depth profiling, and elemental content information for materials.

• Measure impurities in semiconductors and evaluate material homogeneity.

• Purchase a tandem LIBS and LA instrument for spatial analysis and depth profiling.

• The LIBS/LA instrument must be capable of spatial analysis and depth profiling to determine RGTM heterogeneity.

• The instrument must allow for fast screening of RGTMs to identify potential contaminants.

• The LIBS system must be capable of measuring almost all elements in the periodic table simultaneously.

• Place of Performance: NIST Gaithersburg, MD, Building 227 Room B329.

• Period of Performance: The instrument will be received within 3 months of the date of purchase.

• The contractor shall provide a system that meets all technical specifications for a new, commercial "off the shelf" Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument.

• The system must be compatible with Windows 11 and include specialized software for instrument control, data processing, and real-time monitoring.

• A minimum of a one-year supply of consumables and expendables is required.

• A service contract for on-site field service is required for at least two years after receipt and acceptance.

• The contractor is responsible for installation, training of NIST personnel, and providing a one-year warranty.