Sources Sought Benchtop EPR/ESR Spectrometer
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research through a sources-sought announcement to identify vendors capable of providing a benchtop EPR/ESR spectrometer, with responses due by June 26, 2026. This is not a request for quotation and does not commit the government to award a contract. NIST will use the results to determine whether at least two qualified small businesses can fulfill the requirement; if so, the subsequent solicitation will be set aside for small business.
The spectrometer must operate at X-band frequency (8–12 GHz) with sensitivity of 5 × 10^10 spins/mT, weak pitch signal-to-noise ratio of 600:1 or better, magnetic field sweep range of −10 to 650 mT (recommended −1000 to 6500 mT), field homogeneity of 5 T, and field stability of 1 T/h. Software must be Windows 11-compatible and run on a Dell Workstation PC with local operation capability, including automated calibration, tuning, data processing, batch workflows, quantification workflows, and CSV export functionality. Delivery, installation, and training must be completed within 20 weeks. A three-year warranty minimum is required (five years preferred) covering labor and parts. Government acceptance testing will require 15 business days.
Three separately priced options are specified: a Liquid Nitrogen Variable Temperature Control System (95 K to 450 K minimum, 0.2 K stability), an Optical Irradiation System (350–750 nm wavelength), and an Automated Goniometer (0–360 degree rotation at 0.1 degree resolution). Respondents must indicate the country of manufacture. All small business size categories will be considered in the market research phase. NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing); PSC 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies).
NB686080-26-01894 Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology
6/12/26, 11:59 AM Benchtop EPR/ESR Spectrometer
The National Institute of Standards and Technology seeks one benchtop EPR/ESR spectrometer via Request for Quotation, with quotations due July 20, 2026. This is a total small business set-aside under FAR Part 12 for commercial items.
Place of performance is Boulder, Colorado. The spectrometer must operate in the X-band (8 to 12 GHz) with sensitivity of 5 × 10^10 spins/mT, weak pitch signal-to-noise ratio of 600:1 or better, microwave power from 10 W to 100 mW (recommended 1 W to 200 mW), field homogeneity within 5 T, field stability of 1 T/h, magnetic field sweep range of -10 to 650 mT (recommended -1000 to 6500 mT), modulation frequency of 10 to 100 kHz, and resonator unloaded Q of 5000 or better. Software must be Windows 11–compatible, capable of running on a Dell Workstation PC without cloud dependence, and include standard sample sets measuring g-factor, magnetic field sweep, hyperfine splitting, and signal-to-noise ratio. A minimum three-year warranty (five years preferred) from date of acceptance is required. Delivery and installation must be completed within 20 weeks from receipt of order on FOB Destination terms, with 15 business days allowed for government acceptance testing. NIST will provide UPS or FedEx Freight codes for shipping.
Three separately priced options are available: a Liquid Nitrogen Variable Temperature Control System (95 K to 450 K, with 0.2 K stability; 550 K or greater recommended), an Optical Irradiation System/Photochemistry System (350 to 750 nm wavelength), and an Automated Goniometer (0 to 360 degrees at 0.1-degree resolution). All ancillary systems must be software-controllable from the main spectrometer with synchronized serialized experiment capability. The NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing. Quotations must include firm fixed pricing with Net 30 payment terms, technical capability narrative not exceeding six single-sided pages (three double-sided), product literature, country of origin, SAM Unique Entity ID, representations and certifications, and identification of any tariffs or customs charges. Price quotations remain valid for 120 days. Award will go to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous to the Government, weighing technical capability as more important than price.
NB686080-26-01894 Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology
7/9/26, 12:08 PM