Sputter & Carbon Thread Coater System

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is soliciting quotations for a Sputter & Carbon Thread Coater System to replace end-of-life coating equipment used for preparing non-conductive material samples for electron microscopy analysis at their Materials Measurement Science Division in Gaithersburg. The procurement seeks a Brand Name or Equal Leica EM ACE600 system with specific technical requirements including a planar magnetron sputter head, metal vacuum chamber with large dimensions (200mm x 150mm x 195mm), integrated oil-free pumping system, touch screen interface, and motorized stage capabilities. The solicitation follows Simplified Acquisition Procedures using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation methodology, requiring offerors to submit detailed technical capability documentation demonstrating their ability to provide the specified equipment. Quotations must be submitted electronically to Contract Specialist Lisa Stevens by July 9, 2025, with all communications referencing solicitation number NB643030-25-02217. Offerors must maintain active System for Award Management (SAM) registration and provide a unique entity identifier to be eligible for award.

This procurement does not utilize any set-aside designation and is open to all qualified contractors meeting the small business size standard of 1,000 employees under NAICS code 334516 for Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing. The Statement of Work does not identify any incumbent contractors or current service providers for this equipment replacement. While specific contract values are not disclosed in the available documentation, the procurement includes the coater system, multiple metal targets (Gold/Palladium and Tungsten), a spare sputter source, installation services, and a 1-year warranty, with optional metal targets for Iridium and Gold also available. The period of performance is specified as 2 months after receipt of order, with delivery required within four weeks to NIST's Boulder, Colorado location under FOB Destination terms, followed by installation in Laboratory D115, Building 217 at the Gaithersburg facility. The government reserves the right to conduct quality assurance testing and has 7 business days to accept or reject the equipment following receipt and visual inspection.