Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Isothermal Titration Calorimeter
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Material Measurements Lab has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for an Isothermal Titration Calorimeter (ITC). NIST intends to procure this instrument from TA Instruments-Waters, L.L.C. to support the CHIPS R&D Metrology Project 7.03, focusing on critical mineral recovery research. Interested firms must submit capability documentation by February 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
This notice signifies NIST's intent to acquire a commercial Isothermal Titration Calorimeter to benchmark NIST-developed custom ITC instruments. The acquisition will aid in quantifying critical materials recovery from microelectronic waste by measuring specific ion-receptor reaction thermodynamics. The scope of work includes the delivery of one ITC instrument, a maintenance and support plan, installation, training, a 12-month warranty, and FOB Destination delivery.
Key Technical Requirements
The required ITC instrument must meet stringent specifications, including:
- Temperature Control: 15°C to 80°C range, with ±0.0001°C stability over 24 hours at 25°C.
- Heat Flow Sensing: Short-term noise < ±10 nW, precision of ±300 nW or lower.
- Injection & Stirring: Minimum injection volume < 10 µL, 100 µL or larger syringe capacity, controllable injection volume/timing, and compatibility with aqueous/organic solvents.
- Cell Volume & Components: 1 mL or larger glass reaction vessel, accommodating flake/powder suspensions and various solvents.
- Software: Complete control of data acquisition/analysis, real-time plotting, data storage (ASCII/Excel/binary), and a separate analysis program installable without internet access.
- Control Computer: Must accept PCIe 2.0 (Gen 2) x4 bus and run Windows 11 or newer.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.
- Delivery: FOB Destination.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
Response Requirements
Firms interested in demonstrating their ability to meet these requirements must submit documentation, such as brochures, manuals, reports, demonstration videos, and technical data. Responses should include company name, address, point of contact (phone and email), teaming partners (if applicable), and classification of the supply (commercial off-the-shelf, modified commercial, or prototype). Proprietary information should not be included.
Deadlines & Contact Information
- Questions Due: February 3, 2026, 4:00 PM ET.
- Responses Due: February 11, 2026, 4:00 PM ET.
- Submission: All communications must be via email to Ranae Armstrong (ranae.armstrong@nist.gov) with a copy to Donald Collie (donald.collie@nist.gov). Telephone or faxed inquiries/responses will not be accepted.
Important Notes
This is solely a Notice of Intent to Sole Source and not a Request for Quote (RFQ). No payment will be made for information submitted, and not responding does not prevent future participation. No award will be made based on this notice.