High-Temperature In-Situ (HTIS) Indenter

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a civilian agency within the Department of Commerce, is issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a High-Temperature In-Situ (HT-IS) Indenter system under solicitation number 1333ND26QNB030035. This analytical laboratory instrument must be capable of conducting mechanical testing under vacuum conditions at temperatures up to 400°C, supporting quasi-static and dynamic indentation testing at forces up to 500 mN, high-speed indentation mapping at 30+ indents per minute, scratch testing, and scanning probe microscopy with a 10 μm by 10 μm scan range. The procurement is unrestricted competition within the analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing industry (NAICS 334516) with a 1,000-employee small business size standard. Awards will be made on a best-value basis with non-priced factors (technical capability and experience) considered significantly more important than price. Quotations must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist (forest.crumpler@nist.gov) and Contracting Officer (donald.collie@nist.gov) no later than 11:00 AM Eastern Time on April 12, 2026, with pre-quote inquiries due within five calendar days of the solicitation issuance date (by April 7, 2026).

This is a non-set-aside procurement with no identified incumbent contractors. The solicitation includes six contract line items: the primary HT-IS equipment acquisition, optional one-year and two-year service contracts (each providing one preventive maintenance visit annually with technical assistance), optional one-year and two-year extended warranty coverage, and a not-to-exceed transportation and related expenses line item. The hardware delivery is required within 30 weeks of order with installation within 21 days of delivery, and payment is due 100% upon installation, acceptance, successful demonstration, and completion of user training. Specific deliverables include two indenter probes (one Berkovich, one Cube Corner), 10 sample mounts, all necessary hardware and software components, and training for up to 2 users. The place of performance is NIST's Gaithersburg, Maryland campus (Building 223, Lab A126), and all quotations must include FOB Destination shipping costs with price quotations remaining valid for 90 days.