Nicolet Summit X Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer

Justification for Sole Source Procurement

This document justifies a sole source procurement for a Nicolet Summit X Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer from Thermo Electron North America LLC, under $350,000. The justification is based on the need for compatibility with existing Thermo FTIR systems and software, continuity of operations, and support for the Rapid Quartz Analysis (RQA) monitoring approach developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

• Procurement of a Nicolet Summit X FTIR spectrometer.

• The instrument must be compatible with existing and future Thermo instrumentation platforms and data processing workflows.

• Support for the Rapid Quartz Analysis (RQA) method, which measures respirable crystalline silica in mine dust samples.

• The procurement is intended to be non-competitive.

• The estimated procurement amount is not explicitly stated but the overall justification is "UNDER $350,000".

This document is a justification for a sole source procurement, not a solicitation. Therefore, there are no proposal submission or evaluation criteria detailed here.

This is a sole source justification, not an open competition. It is not subject to small business set-aside requirements.

• Market research identified alternative FTIR instruments, but they were deemed incompatible due to software and data processing requirements.
• Existing Thermo FTIR instruments are legacy models nearing end-of-life, necessitating an upgrade for continued support and compatibility.
• The justification is certified by the Program Official (Jonathan Hrica) and the Contracting Officer (Marie Claxton).

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

This document outlines the requirements for procuring a Nicolet Summit X Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer and associated components. The objective is to provide the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Program with current-generation instrumentation to support their research and implementation of the Rapid Quartz Analysis (RQA) approach for measuring respirable crystalline silica in mining environments.

• Provision of one Nicolet Summit X FTIR Spectrometer, including all required hardware, software, and accessories.

• Ensuring the system is fully functional and compatible with current operating systems and software.

• Suitable for analysis of respirable dust samples in support of the RQA method.

• Delivery of the instrument, installation (if required), and provision of standard documentation, licenses, and warranties.

• The scope is limited to the provision of the instrument and associated components; ongoing analytical services are not included.

• Task 1: Equipment Provision and Delivery: Delivery of the Nicolet Summit X FTIR Spectrometer with specific features (e.g., LightDrive Optical Engine, single-point source, specific spectral range) and OMNIC Paradigm Desktop Software. Includes an iD1 Transmission Accessory and a hard-sided shipping case.

• Task 2: Installation and Setup: Contractor shall install the instrument at the Government facility, ensure it is fully operational, and verify proper system performance.

• Task 3: Documentation and Warranty: Provision of user manuals, software documentation, technical specifications, applicable software licenses, and manufacturer warranty information.

From time of award to September 30, 2026.

CDC-NIOSH facility, 626 Cochrans Mill Rd, Pittsburgh PA 15236 USA.

• Contractor must be an authorized manufacturer or distributor of the Nicolet Summit X FTIR spectrometer.
• Contractor must be capable of providing manufacturer-certified equipment, installation, and warranty support.
• Compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards for all electronic information and communication technology (ICT) supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, and services.
• The contract type is Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP).
• This is a sole source acquisition with Thermo Electron North America LLC as the contractor.

Evaluation factors are not applicable as this is a sole source acquisition.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for one Nicolet Summit X Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTIR) with Model # 912A1139. The requirement is being solicited as a sole source to Thermo Fisher Scientific FTIR Instruments. The purpose is to procure this spectrometer and associated components to support ongoing research and stakeholder implementation of the Rapid Quartz Analysis (RQA) monitoring approach for respirable crystalline silica in mining environments.

• One Nicolet Summit X FTIR Spectrometer including all required hardware, software, and accessories.

• System must be fully functional, compatible with current operating systems and software.

• Suitable for analysis of respirable dust samples in support of the Rapid Quartz Analysis method.

• Includes LightDrive Optical Engine, single-point source with non-migrating hotspot (10-year warranty), interferometer, solid-state diode laser (10-year warranty), High-Performance DTGS detector, integrated LightBar, desiccated optical compartment, auto-align energy optimization.

• Includes OMNIC Paradigm Desktop Software with features for workflow creation, data analysis, and library management.

• Includes iD1 Transmission Accessory and Nicolet Summit Hard-Sided Shipping Case.

• Installation and setup at the Government facility.

• Provision of user manuals, software documentation, technical specifications, and applicable software licenses.

• Manufacturer warranty information and support details.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP).

• Period of Performance: Date of award to September 30, 2026.

• Questions due by 10:00 am EST on 6/22/2026.

• Quotes due by 10:00 am EST on 6/29/2026.

• Submission via email to ab41@cdc.gov and utj4@cdc.gov.

• This is a sole source acquisition; evaluation factors are not applicable.

• Not specified as a small business set-aside.

• The document includes extensive clauses related to contract terms, conditions, data rights, payment, and compliance (e.g., Section 508 accessibility standards).