FDA-RFQ-1210924_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

FDA-RFQ-1210924

Q&A

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)

Questions and Answers

Q&A

The following are the questions submitted prior to receipt of quotes and their corresponding answers.

Question 1: Item 15 of the Technical Requirements states “No Requirement to Sputter Coat Non- Conductive Materials” which our system adheres to, however coating samples will provide much better imaging performance on any SEM. In addition to a Low Vacuum mode for non-coated, non-conductive samples, would it be OK to include a FREE Sputter Coater with our proposal?

Answer 1: The government has strict rules for acceptance of gifts. Although we sincerely appreciate the offer of a free sputter coater, vendors are encouraged not to offer or send gifts.

Question 2: Item 18 of the Technical Requirements states “3D Mapping” for EDS. Did you mean “2D Mapping”? If 3D Mapping is required, please provide a reference to indicate how the resulting analysis should appear?

Answer 2: 3D mapping capability is FDA’s preference as it enables 3D visualization of specimens allowing study of the sample surface.

Question 3: Item 17 of the Technical Requirements: we offer EDS from Bruker, Oxford and EDAX on our SEM. Does the end user have a preference?

Answer 3: Of those choices, the FDA prefers Oxford; however, note that this is not the only equipment the FDA will accept.

(End of Q&A)