Sources Sought Notice - Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometer (GDMS)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research to procure a Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometer (GDMS) for its Material Measurement Laboratory's Chemical Sciences Division. The agency seeks a high-performance analytical instrument capable of analyzing bulk solids directly, with the ability to examine sample surfaces of 100mm2 or larger within two hours. The GDMS system must demonstrate exceptional analytical capabilities, including measuring at least 70 elements across the periodic table in a single analysis, achieving detection limits of 10 ng/g or better, and providing a dynamic range spanning 8 orders of magnitude. Potential respondents are required to submit comprehensive details including company information, equipment specifications, manufacturing location, small business status, available services, pricing, and professional references. The sources sought notice is scheduled for response by February 11, 2025, with the opportunity posted on January 28, 2025.

This market research initiative does not constitute a formal solicitation or guarantee of contract award, and there are currently no specific set-aside designations for the procurement. The instrument is intended to support the development of high-purity reference materials for semiconductor manufacturing and other industries requiring precise material purity measurements. While no specific budget range is disclosed, the complex technical requirements suggest a potentially significant investment in specialized laboratory equipment. The NAICS category for this procurement is Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), and the Product Service Code is Laboratory Equipment and Supplies (6640). Respondents will be evaluated based on their ability to meet the stringent technical specifications, provide comprehensive support services, and demonstrate technological capabilities in advanced mass spectrometry instrumentation.