NOI - Final.pdf

STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA

Office of Attorney General

600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 125 Bismarck ND 58505-0040

Notice of Intent to Make a Noncompetitive Purchase Solicitation No.: SRC000505

11/03/2026

The State of North Dakota intends to make a purchase for which we believe there is limited or no competition. The purpose of this notice is to determine if other sources are available and whether the procurement method is appropriate.

Vendors are permitted to submit bids or proposals for equivalent commodities or services in response to this notice. A party interested in providing these commodities or services is instructed to submit a written response to the Procurement Officer by the response deadline.

Purchasing Agency: Office of Attorney General

Purchase Description:

The State intends to make a noncompetitive purchase of eleven (11) MX908 devices, including the training and necessary supplies, equipment, and software updates.

MX908 is a handheld chemical detection and identification tool that leverages the power of high-pressure mass spectrometry to deliver highly reliable and accurate results. Users can conduct field analysis of unknown substances at trace levels to generate actionable intelligence in real time to assess threat levels, establish probable cause, and prioritize investigatory resources accordingly, all while reducing operator exposure. The MX908 can identify a list of controlled substance to include fentanyl, fentanyl analogs and other opioids at true trace levels, whether as invisible residue on a scale or on the outside of a package or simply a very low concentration of a drug in cutting agents.

The device includes a one-year warranty and support and an on-site training class for 10 students within 12 months of purchase. 908 Devices is also giving BCI a discount of 7.4% for the MX908 devices.

Handheld High-Pressure Mass Spectrometer Specifications:

Identification capability (Drugs / PBAs / fentanyl-based compounds) The mass spectrometer must provide accurate onboard identification of a range of drugs, including fentanyl-based compounds and precursors in mixtures or low purity (less than 10%). This capability is necessary to reliably identify counterfeit and street-level drugs containing fentanyls and other opioids, which typically contain a high percentage of cutting agent. The mass spectrometer should be able to identify trace amounts of drugs which have been applied to or otherwise embedded in paper or other material for the purpose of smuggling the illicit drugs into prohibited areas, such as prisons.

Fentanyl Classification The mass spectrometer must be able to alarm to a suspect or novel fentanyl analog which cannot be directly identified based on the device’s onboard library. Third party performance testing is required to ensure validation of performance against drugs and PBAs / fentanyls.

Identification capability (CWAs and FGAs) The mass spectrometer must provide accurate onboard identification of a range of chemical threats including traditional and emerging chemical warfare agents and a wide range of precursors and degradation products. The mass spectrometer must include the ability to expand the library through user-applied updates. The mass spectrometer must be able to identify FGAs/Novichok agents by their specific A-Series nomenclature (A230, A232, A234) as well as G-series, HD (mustard) and multiple V-series agents. Third party performance testing is required to ensure validation of performance against chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and fourth-generations agents (FGAs).

CWA Quantification The mass spectrometer must have the capability to provide real-time concentration estimates for chemical warfare agents as they’re being detected. CWA quantification estimates provide critical additional information for operators as they determine safe response and clean up procedures.

Identification capability (Explosives) The mass spectrometer must provide accurate onboard identification of a range of explosives and explosive precursors. The mass spectrometer must enable non-contact analysis and identification of TATP, hexamine and MEKP. Third party performance testing is required to ensure validation of performance against explosives and explosive precursors.

Core technology To allow for quick start-up (<1 minute) and speedy identification of threats (<2 minute), the core technology must be able to operate at higher pressures (1 torr) and operate using ambient air, not requiring any buffer or carrier gasses for operation.

Self-test on start Upon start up, the mass spectrometer automatically conducts internal checks to ensure the following operating parameters are working as intended:

software and memory integrity;

power boards;

telemetry;

battery performance;

vacuum pump;

sample pump; and sampling module

Check must take less than 5 minutes at a temperature of 20 ℃. If there are issues with any of the parameters, the appropriate error will be shown, with guidance for resolution.

Multi-phase sample detection The mass spectrometer must be capable of analyzing gas/vapor, solid/liquid and aerosol samples. Solid/liquid samples must be able to be detected and identified in either bulk or trace (residue) quantities. Aerosols must be detected while also monitoring for potential vapor threats. This will allow detection of a wide range of threats in multiple states of matter.

Lightweight handheld use-mode The mass spectrometer (including battery) must weigh less than 10 lbs (4.5kg), reducing equipment weight burden for ‘downrange’ sampling and enabling the operator to move quickly and operate in confined areas.

Power considerations As the instrument is likely to be used in a ‘downrange’ application the mass spectrometer must operate on a field-replaceable Li-ion battery providing >3 hours of battery life during active use. Batteries must be able to be replaced while in operation, or “hot swapped,” without powering off the system.

Mass range The mass spectrometer instrument must have a m/z (amu) range of at least 50 to 500 enabling a variety of chemical threats to be detected/identified to include TICs, CWAs, FGAs, PBAs, drugs, fentanyls, and explosives.

Modes of operation The mass spectrometer must be capable of multiple modes of operation to include gas/vapor mode and solid/liquid mode (bulk and trace quantities). The mass spectrometer must be capable of working in a continuous gas/vapor mode providing real-time monitoring of airborne threats. This will allow for a wide range of threats in multiple states of matter to be monitored and identified in the field.

Simplified user interface with rugged buttons The mass spectrometer must be operated with ruggedized physical buttons designed for operators in bulky protective gear that limits sight, tactile touch and grip. The user interface must be designed to simplify instrument operation to minimize training. The buttons must be raised and be designed to be used by operators wearing protective gloves. The on/off button must be recessed to prevent the accidental turning off the unit during an operation.

Limits of Detection The mass spectrometer must be able to detect and identify threats at trace or near-trace levels (not visible to the user) in all phases (liquid, solid, aerosol and vapor) in harsh, real-world environments (less-than-pure) and in the presence of common interferents (Diesel, JP8, Windex, Masking Agents, etc.).

Vapor Limits of Detection The mass spectrometer must detect and alarm when challenged with high priority CWA vapor threats (e.g. nerve agents GA, GB, GD, GF) at concentrations of less than 100 parts per billion (ppb) and must have independent test report available verifying capability.

Particulate Limits of Detection The mass spectrometer must detect and alarm when challenged with high priority explosives, drugs, fentanyls, PBAs, and FGAs at concentrations of less than 100 nanograms

(ng) and must have independent test report available verifying capability.

Response Time In less than 30 seconds in continuous sampling mode, the mass spectrometer must be capable of positive identification in the presence of target chemicals at ppb levels in vapor, thus providing the user quick and accurate information on threat conditions.

In trace mode, the mass spectrometer must be capable of positive identification of target chemicals at ng levels in less than one minute.

Fully integrated system The mass spectrometer must be entirely self-contained with a built-in computer requiring no outside components to function to allow operation by one person wearing chemical protective clothing/apparel in the hot zone.

Ionization source Mass spectrometer ionization source must not contain radioactive materials to increase user safety and minimize transportation burdens.

Vacuum system Mass spectrometer must include an internal vacuum system, to minimize maintenance and consumables. No external vacuum system can be required.

Alarm list activation Mass spectrometer must allow operator to activate, deactivate, and edit lists of targeted chemicals that control device alarms on the GUI itself to allow for flexible mission objectives in the field.

Audible alarms Mass spectrometer must alarm for threat chemicals both visually on the GUI and with an audible sound. Users must be able to activate or deactivate the audible alarms as needed.

On-Screen results Mass spectrometer must provide clear, unambiguous results when targets are identified.

Alarm result should be color coded with a specific color for a highly confident result, which should also include CAS number and primary hazard on the main result screen. Suspected results which don’t fully meet the threshold or criteria for the highest confidence alarm should be color coded with a different color for user clarity.

Reports The mass spectrometer must store all data collected automatically and have the ability to recall data and export results information from the device to an external media in a variety of commonly viewable formats, including PDF and JPEG. This enables easy data archival and additional support. Data export should not require a keyboard or a mouse. The mass spectrometer must have the ability to export reports via Bluetooth to a companion application on an Android or iOS device for customization.

Warranty/Technical Support/Reach back The mass spectrometer must offer full warranty and support coverage for a stated time period, to include 24 / 7 technical and reachback support for assistance with data interpretation or technical issues, and all software / library updates.

Scheduled Maintenance The mass spectrometer must not require scheduled maintenance or consumables for vapor analysis to minimize the burdens and costs of ownership.

Battery charge display Mass spectrometer battery must display visual indication of charge state on both the battery itself and on screen. This enables operators to quickly assess spare battery charge state without testing.

Ruggedness MIL-STD 810G Mass spectrometer must be independently certified to meet MIL-STD-810G with a certified independent report available. Required MIL-STD 810G standards include: low pressure (method 500.5); high temp (501.5); low temp (502.5); rain (506.5); humidity (507.5); sand & dust (510.5); salt fog (509.5), vibration (514.6); and shock (516.6).

Intended Source: 908 Devices 44 3rd Avenue Burlington, MA 01803

Price: $1,200,000.00

Justification: The MX908 leverages a technology called high-pressure mass spectrometry to detect not only the drugs themselves but the underlying molecules that form the building blocks of every drug. The technology is highly sensitive and can identify synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil, as well as their many derivatives, even when they are contained in heavy concentrations of cutting agents. By analyzing the base molecule—the backbone of the drug— MX908 can detect more than 2,000 fentanyl analogs, regardless of whether the specific compound is on the target list. Given the high toxicity of select fentanyl compounds, this information increases responder and community safety and provides future-proofing against synthetic variants. MX908 provides fast (return results in about 60 seconds), accurate detection and identification of drugs and other high-priority targets, helping to inform further investigation and secure probable cause. Results from the MX908 include identification by name and CAS number as well as chemical composition, commercial and nefarious uses, and more. Reports can also be exported for reporting or further analysis.

The sensitivity of the MX908 as a trace detector allows it to detect and identify microscopic amounts of threat materials. This allows the officer to not only analyze material that they were previously unable to use as evidence, such as empty packaging, paraphernalia, glassware from manufacturing, and low-concentration pills and mixtures, but also allows the officer to analyze bulk packages of controlled substances from the residue on the outside of the packaging material, often eliminating the need to open the container. 908 Devices also offers a 24/7 reachback service for confirmation of field results from the MX908 by leveraging highly trained chemists and forensic experts within 908 Devices for advanced data analysis.

This device will also be looked at as possibly helping the ND State Lab with the backlog of analysis on controlled substances for evidence. The MX908 has the same technology utilized by the ND State Lab equipment for conducting analysis on controlled substance evidence, the high-pressure mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry is a common technology used by laboratories to identify unknown substances. Mass spectrometry measures mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of one or more molecules present in a sample and compares the generated “chemical fingerprint” to a reference library or target list.

The MX908 is powered by high-pressure mass spectrometry (HPMS) technology, which enables responders to detect and identify chemical hazards from bulk to true trace concentrations. MX908 is 1 million times more sensitive than commonly used Raman and FT-IR technologies.

Questions

A vendor may contact the Procurement Officer to discuss whether its proposed solution meets the requirements. Submit any questions or requests for clarification to the Procurement Officer as soon as possible and before the response deadline.

Samantha Brazeal Procurement Officer Email: sbrazeal@nd.gov Telephone: (701) 328-7791 TTY Users call: 7-1-1

Response Format:

Vendors interested in submitting a response to this notice must provide the following information for consideration:

Company Information: Provide the name of the firm, address, and website, if available.

Contact Information: Provide the name of a contact person, telephone number, and email address.

Specifications: Vendors are instructed to examine the Purchase Description included in this notice. When preparing your response to this notice, provide a point-by-point response to each of the described requirements. Provide detailed specifications demonstrating that the offered solution meets or exceeds the requirements stated in this notice. Provide any available documents and links to information available on the vendor’s website.

Value-Added: Vendors may provide information about value-added features, functionality, alternatives, and additionally available components or services that are not specifically identified in the purchase description within the notice.

Cost: Provide detailed cost information, including any applicable shipping and handling.

Responses may include pricing for any offered value-added options.

Response Deadline: November 11, 2026.

Response Instruction:

Offerors must be registered in NDBuys in order to submit a response.

If you are not yet registered in NDBuys, complete the bidders list registration. See NDBuys Quick Reference Guides at NDBuys Quick Reference Guides for how to register.

Once registered, locate the solicitation in NDBuys and select the “Participate in RFx” button. If you do not see the “Participate in RFx” button, contact the Procurement Officer to confirm you are already included in the list of offerors to receive notices for the solicitation.

Electronic Submission Required: An interested party must electronically submit proposals through the State’s procurement information system (NDBuys) by the Solicitation Closing deadline.

ND Buys Website

Do not wait until the last minute to submit a response. We recommend uploading your response 24 hours prior to the Solicitation Closing deadline.

Offeror must begin the electronic submission process well in advance of the Solicitation Closing deadline to allow for transmission and resolution of any technical difficulties. Be advised that the STATE is not responsible for an Offeror’s failure to timely submit a proposal due to any technical difficulties. If you experience any technical difficulties, contact the Procurement Officer or the State Procurement Office at ndbuys@nd.gov or 701-328-2740.

If documents are in the process of being uploaded when the Solicitation Closing deadline occurs, the upload process will stop. The attempted submission will not be uploaded successfully and is ineligible for consideration. The STATE takes no responsibility for electronic submissions that are captured, blocked, filtered, quarantined, or otherwise prevented from uploading by any anti-virus or other security software.

Visit NDBuys Quick Reference Guides for the NDBuys Quick Reference Guides which describe how to submit an electronic response.

The maximum file size allowed is 56MB or 56,120 KB per file.

Do not submit documents that are embedded (zip files), movies, wmp, encrypted, or mp3 files.

Offeror will be able to confirm that a response has been submitted by reviewing the History tab of the solicitation and confirming that proposal status is submitted. If Offeror does not see that it has been submitted, the upload was not successful. Contact the Procurement Officer or the State Procurement Office at ndbuys@nd.gov or 701-328-2740.