Sources Sought Notice Final_Gas Chromatograph.docx

NIST Document Type: Sources Sought Notice Procurement Identifier: NIST-AMD-F-PAO-SSN-25-02179 Title: Gas Chromatograph with a Flame Ionization Detector and Pulsed

BACKGROUND:

The Gas Sensing Metrology Group (GSMG) of the Chemical Sciences Division is responsible for developing, critically evaluating, and applying techniques for the identification and measurement of gaseous species. The group applies these techniques with the certification of gas standards in support of industries responding to U.S. and state regulations and fairness in trade issues. The primary concern is to provide the infrastructure for high-quality, traceable gas measurements, allowing better decision-making by industry, regulators, government officials, research scientists, and the public. Measurement services are provided through the development of reference materials including NIST Traceable Reference Materials (NTRMs), Reference Materials (RMs), Standard Reference Materials (SRMs). The GSMG needs to purchase a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector and pulsed discharge helium ionization detector in order to support the development of SRMs, NTRMs as well as for standards used for international comparisons and other certified compress gases.

The designated NAICS code is 334516 with a size standard of 1,000 employees. The Product Service Code is 6640.

REQUIREMENT:

The Contractor shall provide one (1) Gas Chromatograph with a Flame Ionization Detector and Pulsed Discharge Helium Ionization Detector (GC-FID/PDHID) that meets the following minimum technical requirements. The Contractor shall install the instrument and provide training for at least 2 hours at NIST for up to two (2) NIST personnel.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor shall provide a system that meets all technical specifications. All items must be new. Experimental, prototype, or custom items will not be considered. The use of “gray market” components are not authorized for sale in the U.S. by the Contractor is not acceptable. All line items shall be shipped in the original manufacturer’s packaging and include all original documentation and software, when applicable.

SPECIFICATIONS:

The System:

i. The Gas Chromatograph shall be configured for the analysis of gases delivered through a regulator from a gas cylinder.

ii. The Gas Chromatograph shall have a Flame Ionization Detector (FID) and a Pulsed Discharge Helium Ionization Detector (PDHID).

iii. The Gas Chromatograph shall have 6-port gas sampling valve (GSV) with the ability to heat valve to 75 °C and support a gas sample loop of up to 10 mL volume within the heated zone.

iv. The Gas Chromatograph shall have a 10 mL sample loop installed at delivery.

v. The Gas Chromatograph shall have a pneumatically actuated heart cut valve to divert balance gas to vent.

vi. The GC shall be equipped with helium mass spectrometer leak-tested valves as needed for PDHID.

vii. The GC shall be equipped with helium purifiers needed for primary and secondary helium purification as needed for PDHID.

viii. The Gas Chromatograph shall have an injector with the ability to support the use of packed columns.

ix. The Gas Chromatograph shall have a flow control system capable of supporting the use of packed columns.

x. The Gas Chromatograph shall have a flow control system capable of diverting the sample flow from the GSV to vent prior to injection [according to software-controlled timetable] to ensure that the sample volume is constant [e.g., 3-way solenoid valve].

xi. The Gas Chromatograph will be equipped with a micro-electrically actuated, 12-position stream select valve that is managed through the respective instrument software and that allows unselected streams to be dead headed.

xii. The Gas Chromatograph shall have a GC oven box with temperature program capability.

xiii. The Gas Chromatograph shall have a GC oven liquid nitrogen cooling capability.

xiv. The Gas Chromatograph shall have a Remote start and stop capability through contact closure (relay). End of run signal out capability (digital out).

The Software:

i. The Gas Chromatograph shall have software to control all GC functions, collect chromatographic data, perform data analysis and export selected data to an excel spreadsheet with a permanent software license (at delivery).

ii. The Gas Chromatograph shall have software documentation that will document how a user computer program written in Visual Basic Version 6.0 can gain access to analytical data after a run has terminated, and for the user program to inform the GC control software of the identification of the next sample to be run in the sequence. This capability shall be available in the GC control software.

iii. The Gas Chromatograph shall have software capable of controlling a 12-port gas sampling valve mounted atop the instrument allowing for controlled sample injection.

Manual:

The Gas Chromatograph shall have an operations and maintenance manual. The manual can be in the form of a digital and/or hard copy.

HOW TO RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE:

In responding to this notice, please DO NOT PROVIDE PROPRIETARY INFORRMATION. Please include only the following information, readable in either Microsoft Word 365, Microsoft Excel 365, or .pdf format, in the response. Submit your response via email to Rene Edwards, Contract Specialist on or before the closing date and time of this notice. Closing date for responses is by 11:00 am ET on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

· Provide the complete name of your company, address, name of contact for follow-up questions, their email, their phone number and, if your company has an active registration in https://sam.gov, your company’s Unique Entity ID (UEI).

· Identify any aspects of the description of the requirements in the BACKGROUND section above that could be viewed as unduly restrictive or create unnecessary barriers that adversely affect your firm’s ability to fully participate in a procurement for such services and explain why. Please offer suggestions for how the requirements could be organized or structured to encourage the participation of small businesses.

· Indicate whether your company is (a) a small business or (b) other than small business. See the Table of Small Business Size Standards and the associated .pdf download file for small business size standards and additional information.

· If your firm has existing Federal Supply Schedule contract(s) or other contracts for services against which the Department may be able to place orders, identify the contract number(s) and other relevant information

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The information received in response to this notice will be reviewed and considered so that the NIST may appropriately solicit for its requirement soon.

This notice should not be construed as a commitment by the NIST to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract.

Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotations.

No award will be made because of this notice.

The NIST is not responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice.

The NIST reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and appropriate.