Tabletop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with EDS
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 United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify vendors capable of providing a Tabletop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with an integrated Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDS/EDX). This notice is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to a future contract. Responses are due by July 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM MDT.
Scope of Requirement
The USAFA requires a compact, benchtop SEM with fully integrated EDS/EDX capabilities for its facility in USAF Academy, CO. Key salient characteristics include:
- System: Benchtop/Tabletop SEM with integrated EDS/EDX, not exceeding 200 lbs, designed for standard lab counters.
- Power: Operates on standard 110VAC, includes compatible Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS).
- Vacuum System: Capable of high (0.1 Pa or better) and low (up to 100 Pa) vacuum environments with minimal user maintenance.
- Electron Optics & Imaging: Tungsten or CeB6 electron source (>3,000 hrs for CeB6), 1.0 kV to 20.0 kV accelerating voltage, 150,000x live magnification (up to 350,000x max), simultaneous BSE/BSD and SE/SED detectors, 8 nm (BSE) / 6 nm (SE) resolution minimums, auto-focus/stigmator/brightness/gun alignment, integrated color microscope camera (20-135x zoom).
- Sample Manipulation: Motorized X-Y-Z stage, capacity for minimum three (3) standard 12.7 mm SEM stubs, including standard removable sample holder, charge reduction holder, and preparation starter kit.
- EDS Capabilities: Integrated Silicon Drift Detector (SDD), mapping range Boron (B, 5) to Uranium (U, 92), real-time elemental mapping (qualitative and quantitative analysis), software for background quantification.
- Software & Hardware: PC workstation (min. 24-inch monitor), standard OS, pre-installed SEM/EDS software, keyboard, mouse, and advanced imaging software.
- Services: On-site installation, comprehensive user training, and a minimum 1-year standard warranty.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 Employees)
- PSC Code: 6650 - Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components And Accessories
- Published Date: June 17, 2026
- Response Due Date: July 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM MDT
Submission Instructions
Interested vendors should submit a capability statement via email to Ronald Wilson (ronald.wilson.26@us.af.mil) and Mikayla Brandt (mikayla.brandt@us.af.mil). The subject line must be: "Sources Sought Response FA700026Q0064: Tabletop SEM-EDX – [Your Company Name]".
Requested Information
Capability statements should include:
- Company Profile (Name, CAGE, UEI, Address, POC)
- Socio-Economic Status (under NAICS 334516)
- Product Information (Make/model meeting salient characteristics, spec sheets/brochures)
- Manufacturing Status & TAA Compliance (Manufacturer or dealer/distributor, Country of Origin)
- Contract Vehicles (GWACs, FSS with contract number/SIN)
Additional Notes
This is a market research effort for planning purposes only and does not commit the Government to a future contract. Inquiries regarding technical requirements should be directed to the contracting officers.