Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is soliciting quotations for a Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument to support the Inorganic Chemical Metrology Group's development of Standard Reference Materials and contaminant analysis capabilities for the semiconductor supply chain. The solicitation (1333ND26QNB030084) requires offerors to submit firm-fixed-price quotations organized into four distinct volumes covering technical capability, demonstrated experience, pricing, and terms and conditions acceptance. Evaluation will prioritize technical capability as the most critical factor, with no prototypes or refurbished equipment accepted, followed by relevant experience and price, with non-priced factors significantly more important than price. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of 2 calendar days from the solicitation issuance date and a quotation submission deadline of 11:00 AM Eastern Time on March 18, 2026. All quotations must be submitted electronically via email to forest.crumpler@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov, with all offerors required to maintain active SAM.gov registration throughout the process.

This procurement is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside under simplified acquisition procedures for commercial products and services, classified under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a 1,000-employee small business size standard. The acquisition includes three contract line items: one benchtop LIBS unit (CLIN 0001), one year of optional consumable and preventive maintenance service (CLIN 0002), and transportation-related charges on a not-to-exceed basis (CLIN 0003). Quotations must include all shipping costs under FOB Destination terms and any applicable tariffs for foreign-manufactured products, with pricing valid for 90 days. The LIBS system must operate with a UV laser at approximately 20 amps and 120-volt AC power with greater than 5 mJ pulse energy capability. Performance of work will take place at NIST's facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, with the government intending to award a single purchase order to the best value offeror, potentially without discussions based solely on initial quotations.