Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) System
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 Department of the Navy, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) is conducting market research via a Sources Sought Notice for the procurement of one (1) new Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) System with an integrated Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) system. This system is intended for capital improvement and capability upgrade at their Philadelphia, PA facility, specifically for metallographic analysis and imaging within the Machinery Research, Logistics & Ship Integrity Department. Responses are due by December 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NSWCPD requires a FESEM system with specific features including a Schottky Emitter (SE) field emission (FE) electron gun, secondary electron (SE) and backscatter electron (BSE) detectors, and a chamber capable of accommodating at least a 300mm wide specimen. The system must have an integrated EDS system. General requirements include a newly manufactured unit, all necessary supplies for installation and startup, and on-site training by a qualified vendor representative. Functionally, the SEM must achieve an image resolution of less than 3nm at 1kV beam current and possess variable pressure capabilities (10 – 150 Pa). Required software must be capable of stitching multiple images.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation / Sources Sought Notice
- NAICS Code: 334516, "Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing"
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price contract via Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAPCOM)
- RFP Anticipated: February 2026
- Response Due: December 23, 2025, by 6:00 PM ET
- Published: December 11, 2025
- Place of Performance: Philadelphia, PA
Submission & Eligibility
- Submission Method: Capability statements must be emailed to Jenny Tomeo at jenny.e.tomeo.civ@us.navy.mil.
- Capability Statement: Maximum 5 pages, addressing technical ability/approach and capacity (raw materials, lead time) to meet requirements. Businesses may cite similar performance.
- Eligibility: Interested large or small businesses, including HUBZone, 8(a), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), are encouraged to respond. Respondents must identify their small business socio-economic categories.
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought Notice for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP). Responses are not considered offers, and the government is not obligated to award a contract based on this notice. No funds are available to compensate businesses for the preparation of their responses. The primary contact for this opportunity is Stefan Kitzinger (stefan.b.kitzinger.civ@us.navy.mil).