RFI KT-2026-02.pdf

LBNL Request for Information No. KT-2026-02 Page 1

October 13, 2026

Subject: Request for Information (RFI) No. KT-2026-02 Response Due Date: October 23, 2026

Introduction The University of California, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is conducting market research to identify sources that possess the capabilities and experience necessary to provide a Micro Electron Diffractometer (MicroED) System.

Background Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Molecular Foundry Division operates a DOE Office of Science User Facility that provides state-of-the-art expertise and instrumentation for nanoscale science research in materials science, chemistry, biology, and energy. A dedicated Micro Electron Diffractometer (MicroED) System supports this mission by enabling routine atomic-structure determination for nanocrystalline and microcrystalline materials that are too small for conventional single-crystal X-ray diffraction, ensuring the advanced structural characterization capabilities required for user projects and scientific discoveries meet the facility’s demanding research standards.

Preliminary Specifications LBNL intends to acquire an instrument that meets or exceeds the following specifications. These are preliminary and subject to change.

1. Continuous Rotation Collection at 200 k.

2. Low-Dose Screening: Low-dose pre-screening regime (< 0.01 – 0.1 e⁻/Ų/s) using low-magnification STEM/TEM grid mapping to minimize radiation damage prior to data collection.

3. Electron-Counting Detection: Must feature direct electron-counting detection technology (e.g., Hybrid Pixel Array Detector or equivalent) with zero dark current/readout noise. The detector must meet minimum performance requirements of a high dynamic range (> 10⁶) and a framing rate of ≥ 100 fps.

4. Automated Grain Recognition & Centering: AI/computer-vision sub-micron crystal recognition, automated grid navigation, and 3D optical/diffraction crystal-centering routines.

5. Concurrent Processing: Must support dynamic concurrent processing during data acquisition, including indexing, spot integration, and space-group estimation.

6. Unit-Cell Clustering & Multi-Crystal Merging: Hierarchical unit-cell clustering algorithms and intensity scaling/merging across incomplete multi-crystal datasets to achieve > 95% completeness.

7. Integrated Structure Solution / Refinement: Must provide an integrated pipeline for ab initio structure determination (supporting direct methods/charge flipping) and kinematic/dynamical structure refinement using industry-standard, non-proprietary crystallographic software platforms.

8. Stable Diffraction-Ready Optics: Parallel-beam optics configured for electron diffraction, low beam energy spread (< 0.7 eV), and ultra-low goniometer drift (< 1 nm/min).

LBNL Request for Information No. KT-2026-02 Page 2

9. Baseline Operation and Modular Upgrades: Must support an ambient (298 K) baseline operation and cryo-cooling (e.g., 100 K) while offering modular upgrade paths for future enhancements, including air-free transfer, in-situ environmental controls (heating/biasing/gas-liquid), and EDS microanalysis.

10. Installation, Training, Service, Water-Cooled Chiller, and Seismic Restraint: Comprehensive vendor delivery including seismic anchoring, dedicated closed-loop water chiller, on-site application training, and multi-year service level agreement (SLA).

NAICS Code and Size Standard The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this acquisition will be 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing). The corresponding small business size standard is 1,000 or fewer employees.

Instructions Respondents who can demonstrate a proven record of delivering a Micro Electron Diffractometer System per the preliminary specifications above should email the LBNL Procurement Representative Karen Tays at kktays@lbl.gov with relevant published product literature and/or technical specifications demonstrating compliance. Attachments or hyperlinks are both acceptable. Please indicate the country of origin where the instrument is manufactured.

All responses must be submitted by email no later than 5:00pm Pacific on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Request for Information Only This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only. This is not a request for quote or proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the University.

Responses in any form are not offers and no subcontract will be awarded as a result of this announcement. No inquiries regarding a bid package or solicitation will be answered, because there is no bid package or solicitation yet available. Any information submitted by respondents to this RFI is strictly voluntary.

In order to protect the procurement integrity of any future procurement that may arise from this RFI, information regarding the technical point of contact will not be given and no appointments for presentations will be made. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement, and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this RFI or any follow-up information requests related to this RFI. Responding to this RFI does not provide any advantage or disadvantage to potential offerors if LBNL chooses to issue a formal solicitation at a later date.

This Request for Information is governed by procurement policies and procedures established under the University's Prime Contract with the U.S. Government, represented by the Department of Energy, for management and operation of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Proprietary Information Because information received in response to this RFI may be used to structure future programs and may be made available to the public, respondents must not include any information in their responses that might be considered business sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential. Responses must be submitted with the understanding that their contents may be publicly disclosed and, in the event of a mailto:kktays@lbl.gov

LBNL Request for Information No. KT-2026-02 Page 3 public disclosure, LBNL will not notify respondents or provide any opportunity to revise or redact submitted information.

Karen Tays LBNL Procurement Representative

(510) 486-4926 kktays@lbl.gov

(End of RFI document) mailto:kktays@lbl.gov

NAICS Code and Size Standard