Statement_of_Work_-_Amended.docx

Statement of Work Liquid cell holder for transmission electron microscope

A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), owns and maintains an extensive suite of electron microscopy tools for the characterization of materials at high spatial resolution. One class of these instruments is the transmission electron microscope (TEM), which can analyze the structure and chemistry of materials at the atomic-scale. However, an inherent limitation of these instruments is that the chamber where the specimen is located, must be kept under ultrahigh vacuum conditions to achieve the required spatial resolution.

These conditions require that the specimen be completely dehydrated. However, in many cases the analyst would prefer to observe the specimen in a liquid environment. For the past decade, specialized holders have been developed, and commercialized that consist of an isolated microfluidic environment within the specimen chamber of the microscope. Here the specimen can be directly observed within a liquid solution without sacrificing spatial resolution. Upcoming experiments will require this type of holder for use on the ThermoFisher Titan 80-300 TEM.

Currently, MML owns this type of holder manufactured by ProtoChips Inc. However, at eight years old, it is no longer supported. As such, critical consumables are no longer available, and the holder must be replaced with a newer model.

B. SCOPE OF WORK

The purpose of this procurement is to purchase a commercial liquid cell holder for the currently owned ThermoFisher Titan 80-300 TEM. In the future, this holder will enable morphological and structural measurements of polymeric nanomaterials suspended in water.

C. SPECIFICATIONS

The purchased holder shall consist of a TEM specimen rod that is compatible with the CompuStage Mark II specimen stage of the Titan 80-300 TEMs. According to the manufacturers specifications, the holder shall be mechanically designed, for interfacing with the microscope, so that the instrument’s performance is not degraded. The rod will be designed to accept the components of the microfluidic cell at the end of the rod, and the cell itself will consist of two opposing silicon nitride windows supported on silicon substrates. When properly assembled, the cell will permit no escape of liquid under the ultrahigh vacuum conditions pertaining inside the microscope column.

In addition, the Government would like the option for electrical feedthroughs, which will allow for electrical bias to be applied to the analytical volume via an external controller.

Performance Standards:

The NIST Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) or authorized representative shall receive and inspect the liquid cell holder, and verify compatibility with the existing microscope, and performance of the microfluidic cell. If there are issues regarding compliance, the Vendor will be advised of such issues and allowed the opportunity to rework, repair, or replace the item, at their expense, so that it will comply.

The performance testing and inspection by the TPOC of the liquid cell holder will include, verifying the holder can be pumped to 1x10-5 Torr, with no visible liquid leaking using an external pumping station currently in the Titan TEM lab. Testing will also consist of insertion into the microscope column with no issues reported by the microscope software or mechanical interlocks.

D. OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BE EXERCISED AT TIME OF AWARD

Optional Item I: Electrical Biasing Capabilities

E. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

the TPOC will visually inspect equipment upon delivery. The TPOC or designated personnel will test the system to verify performance specifications are met.

F. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVERABLES

1. One (1) liquid TEM holder for use with a ThermoFisher Titan 80-300 TEM within 30 days of the award to Bldg 217 Room A129

2. Users’ manual detailing recommended operating procedures and safety precautions.

G. WARRANTY

The Contractor shall provide, at minimum, a one (1) year warranty for the holder. The warranty shall cover all parts, labor, and shipping. The warranty shall commence upon successful completion of delivery and acceptance.

H. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

TPOC or designated personnel will test the holder to verify that performance specifications are met. The government requires one week after delivery for acceptance testing.

The TPOC or designated personnel will visually inspect the shipped system. Any indications of shipping damage such as visible damage will be noted and relayed to Vendor.

I. PAYMENT

The Contractor shall invoice in one lump sum after all required items have been accepted by the Government. Partial payments are not authorized. Advanced payments are not authorized.

J. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

All work and deliverables shall be accomplished at NIST Gaithersburg, Maryland. Normal duty hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the execution of Federal Holidays.