Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope.docx

Request for Information/Sources Sought Notice Commercial Supply Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order Title: Sources Sought Notice for a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope Notice ID Number: NB305000-26-01735

PURPOSE

The purpose of this sources sought notice is to conduct market research and identify potential sources of commercial products/services that satisfy the Government’s anticipated needs. This notice shall not be construed as a Request for Quote. Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for information or administrative costs incurred in the response to this notice. All costs associated with responding to the notice will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future RFQ or other solicitation (if any are issued). This is a market survey, not a pre-solicitation notice. There is no formal solicitation available at this time. No award will be made as a result of this market survey. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a pre-solicitation notice will be published. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this survey, or results of information submitted. The government is seeking a domestic product, if commercially available, that meets all the technical specifications provided in this document below.

BACKGROUND

The Quantum Measurements Division (QMD) requires a trade-in of an obsolete confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), Olympus LEXT OLS4100, for a new model LEXT OLS5500. QMD is using a CLSM for rapid characterization of epitaxial graphene and screening the graphene samples for the fabrication of quantum Hall effect devices. Quantum Hall resistance standards (QHRS) made from epitaxial graphene are superior to the GaAs predecessor due to the more relaxed experiment conditions. QMD is developing quantum Hall arrays (QHA) to expand the resistance value to a wide range (10 Ω to G Ω), which requires a steady supply of large-area epitaxial graphene grown on silicon carbide substrates. Since there is no supplier offering such material, scientists at QMD are producing epitaxial graphene samples through a high temperature sublimation and use the laser microscope mentioned above to characterize the quality of graphene samples. This tool was installed in 2017 and becomes obsolete in the spring of 2026. It is critical to replace the old model with a new tool to avoid interruption to the research and development of QHRS.

Purpose: To characterize the quality of graphene samples

SCOPE

The Contractor shall deliver a quantity of one (1) confocal laser scanning microscope, inclusive of FOB Destination delivery terms (or equivalent INCOTERM such as DDP), and a one (1) year warranty.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Description: Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope Quantity: One (1) A. Technical Specifications for Microscope

1. Reflection-type confocal laser scanning microscope.

2. Violet laser source.

3. White light source.

4. Fully automated system controlled by computer.

5. Travel distance >= 100 mm for both X and Y direction.

6. Lateral resolution <= 120 nm.

7. Z-resolution <=6 nm

8. 6-position nosepiece for objectives (5x, 10x, 20x, 50x, 100x)

9. 50x long working distance objective lens

10. System is calibrated for parfocality and parcentricity

11. Real DIC (differential interference contrast) with Nomarski prism for laser and color mode.

12. DIC for standard and long work distance lenses

13. Surface detection filter for transparent films

14. Maximum footprint: Lx <= 750 mm, Ly <= 400 mm, Lz<= 600 mm.

B. Technical Specifications for Software

1. Control of stage and objectives by computer

2. Digital zoom

3. PRECIV Desktop V3.1

4. PRECIV Desktop V3.1 solution license

5. Other image processing functions:

a. Particle distribution

b. Automatic classification based on selected parameters (size, color, or shape)

c. Measurement of region of interests and multiple thresholds

d. Definition of validation and coding according to user-defined standards for digital distribution

C. Technical Specifications for Computer

1. Windows 11 operating system

a. Networkable trusted HP-Z2SFFG1i Workstation

b. Intel Core Ultra 7 265 vPro Enterprise (5.30G, cache 30 MB, 20 cores, 65W CPU)

c. NVIDIA RTX A1000 8 GB 4mDP Graphics

d. 64GB RAM

e. 1TB+4TB NVMe SSD

2. 27 inch UHD monitor

3. DVD-ROM

4. PRECiV Desktop V3.1

D. Installation and training is also required.

NOTICE RESPONSE

Interested firms/companies are encouraged to respond to this notice by submitting documentation that clearly demonstrates how the minimum requirements and technical specifications will be met. Response which merely repeat the minimum requirements, and technical specifications without providing demonstration of how the minimum requirements and technical specifications will be met, will not be considered or evaluated by the government. Responses can demonstrate their capabilities to meet the requirements and specifications described above by providing brochures, manuals, reports, demonstration videos, other technical data, and identification of current customers.

In responding to this notice, please DO NOT PROVIDE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. In addition to the technical documentation, the response must include the following:

· Company name and address

· Point of Contact for questions and/or clarifications, including telephone number and email address

· Teaming partners (if applicable)

· For supplies – If the supply is a commercial off the shelf item, modified commercial off the shelf item, or prototype.

· Any additional information as deemed pertinent by the respondent.

The Government will accept written questions by email to Contract Specialist Ranae Armstrong at ranae.armstrong@nist.gov and Contracting Officer Don Collie at Donald.collie@nist.gov. Questions must be submitted by 07/04/26, 6:00pm, ET to receive a government response. Telephone and faxed inquiries will not be accepted.

Interested responses must be submitted to Contract Specialist Ranae Armstrong at ranae.armstrong@nist.gov and Contracting Officer Don Collie at Donald.collie@nist.gov no later than 08/04/26, 4:00pm, ET. Telephone and faxed responses will not be accepted.