Liquid Scintillation Counter

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Radiation Safety Division is procuring a liquid scintillation counter to replace aging equipment used for detecting low energy beta radiation in radioactive samples. The requirement specifies a Hidex 300 SL automatic liquid scintillation counting system or equivalent, which must include MikroWin software, alpha/beta separation capabilities, accompanying standards, onsite installation and calibration, personnel training, and an annual service contract. The system is needed to ensure compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Transportation, and Environmental Protection Agency requirements for identifying and quantifying radioactive sources and samples containing alpha, beta, and gamma emitting nuclides. The government will evaluate submissions based on technical capability and price reasonableness, with award going to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable offeror. Quotations must be submitted electronically to marisha.curtis@nist.gov by June 25, 2025, and offerors must maintain active registration in the System for Award Management.

This procurement is designated as a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 334519 with a size standard of 600 employees. The liquid scintillation counting system must be capable of counting at least 40 samples in 20ml vials, feature 70mm internal lead shielding, and include spectral analysis capabilities with detection ranges up to 2,000 keV for beta radiation and 10,000 keV for alpha radiation. The system must be delivered and installed within 90 days of contract award and cannot exceed 250 kg in total weight. Performance will take place at the NIST Gaithersburg campus in Maryland, where the contractor must provide onsite installation, calibration, and user training for Radiation Safety Division personnel. The procurement includes a one-year warranty requirement and ongoing technical support including software upgrades, with NIST conducting performance tests within 30 days of delivery.