Compact Benchtop Mass Spectrometer (CMS) System

The Air Force Academy is conducting market research for a research-grade Compact Benchtop Mass Spectrometer system with responses due by July 20, 2026; this Sources Sought notice is market research only and does not constitute a procurement commitment.

The Air Force seeks a single-quadrupole benchtop instrument featuring dual ionization sources (Electrospray Ionization and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization), manual flow injection valve, and direct injection capability. The system must scan mass-to-charge ranges from m/z 10 to 2,000 with mass resolution of 0.5 to 0.7 m/z units FWHM at scanning rates up to 10,000 m/z units per second. Detection sensitivity must reach 100 picograms of reserpine at a 100:1 signal-to-noise ratio in full-scan mode and 10 picograms using Selected Ion Monitoring, with mass accuracy within 0.1 m/z units and stability maintained over continuous 30-day operation periods. The physical footprint cannot exceed 11 inches width by 22 inches depth by 26 inches height to fit standard laboratory fume hoods. Electrical requirements are standard 110V, 15-amp North American outlets with nitrogen consumption not exceeding 60 PSI. The software must provide unified control of both the mass spectrometer and existing HPLC systems, automated background-subtraction peak detection, support for open-source frameworks, and charge deconvolution utilities. The complete procurement includes a rotary vane vacuum pump, diaphragm pump-based exhaust system, dedicated pre-configured workstation, minimum 12-month hardware and software warranty, and professional on-site installation with operator training. Optional interface kits include coupling to Flash Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid Chromatography, Preparative HPLC, and direct solids or liquids analysis probes.

Interested vendors should submit capability statements addressing company profile, socio-economic status, product capability with specific make and model, availability on existing government-wide acquisition contracts or GSA schedules, commercial product status, and country of origin for compliance verification. NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) and PSC 6640 apply. Contact Ronald Wilson (Primary) or Dawson Hopkinson (Alternate).