IR Spectrometer System

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a civilian agency under the Department of Commerce, is issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the procurement of one portable mid-infrared (IR) spectrometer system to support its Material Measurements Laboratory's Nanocalorimetry for Semiconductors project. The system must measure the emissivity of platinum thin film surfaces across a temperature range of 100°C to 600°C and wavelengths of 3.0 to 5.0 micrometers, with critical specifications including a detector sensitivity of 130,000 counts per millisecond per watt, minimum detectable optical power of 5 pW/nm, spectral collection rate exceeding 250 Hz, and spectral resolution of 6 cm⁻¹ or better. The procurement is on a brand-name-only basis due to the critical detector sensitivity requirement essential for quantifying emissivity of low-emissivity metal thin films. Award will be made to the responsible quoter offering the lowest priced, technically acceptable quotation, with technical acceptability assessed based on compliance with all specifications, delivery capabilities within twelve weeks, installation and training readiness, and warranty coverage. The deadline for written questions was April 2, 2026, and quotations were originally due April 6, 2026, but have been extended to April 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time via email submission to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer.

This is a full and open competition with no set-aside designation, classified under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. No award value or budget range is disclosed in the solicitation documents. The contractor must deliver one new IR spectrometer system with FOB Destination delivery terms and a minimum one-year warranty within twelve weeks of award, with the system requiring optical fiber coupling, operation from standard US 120V/15A outlets, and connectivity via USB or ethernet to Windows 10 or 11 control software capable of saving data in non-proprietary formats. All items must be original manufacturer equipment in original packaging with original documentation; used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, or gray-market components are not acceptable. The place of performance is NIST's Gaithersburg, Maryland facility (100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899), where the Government reserves the right to conduct performance testing including software installation, system connectivity, and radiance measurements from test sensors. Payment will be made in arrears upon receipt of a proper invoice, and all quoters must maintain active SAM.gov registration at submission and through final payment.