Milli-Kelvin Scanning Probe Microscope

Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC, operating under the Department of Energy Office of Science, is soliciting quotations for a milli-Kelvin Scanning Probe Microscope (mK-SPM) system designed to operate tuning-fork-based atomic force microscopy at base temperatures of 80 millikelvin. Request for Quotation (RFQ) Number 473768 requires offerors to meet four critical qualifications: provide references for at least three successfully fabricated and delivered comparable scanning probe microscope systems, demonstrate key personnel with relevant experience, establish a comprehensive U.S.-based instrument support network with experienced service engineers, and provide documentation of ISO 9001 certification or equivalent quality assurance program. The procurement is open to full and open competition with award to be made as firm fixed price to the responsive and responsible offeror submitting the lowest total price while meeting all technical requirements. The evaluation will prioritize technical compliance with detailed specifications for the microscope's operational capabilities, including support for scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy (sMIM) and Scanning Resonator Microscopy (SRM) operations. Questions are due by April 2, 2026, with quotation proposals due April 18, 2026.

This procurement includes no set-asides and is open to all qualified vendors, with large businesses exceeding $900,000 required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan with specified small business participation targets. The contract involves procurement of a single mK-SPM instrument for the Center for Functional Nanomaterials at Brookhaven National Laboratory, with an anticipated delivery 92 weeks after award on an as-required basis. The contract period extends through December 15, 2027, with payment structured as milestone-based firm fixed price tied to design approval, factory acceptance testing, delivery, commissioning, training, and documentation completion. The contractor must deliver the fully assembled, tested, and commissioned instrument with comprehensive documentation, provide one-year warranty on parts and labor, and furnish installation support and training. The procurement is categorized under NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1,000 employees, and all offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management with current representations and certifications.