Standard Reference Material 956e for the National Institute of Standards and Technology

The Inorganic Chemical Metrology Group (ICMG) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is responsible for developing, critically evaluating, and applying techniques for the identification and measurement of inorganic and organometallic species using X-ray, optical, and mass spectrometric techniques, classical analytical methods, pH, and electroanalytical methods. Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) and analytical methods development support a variety of industries including advanced materials, cement, ores, fossil fuels, food, and clinical analyses. The Group develops and maintains primary national standards for elemental and anionic concentrations, pH, electrolytic conductivity, and isotopic abundance.

For the past 30 years NIST has developed a number of biological fluid and tissue SRMs primarily for clinically important analytes (e.g., cholesterol, glucose, creatinine, and electrolytes, and trace elements).  Electrolytes in serum are important biomarkers for skeletal and cellular health.  The levels of electrolytes are monitored by measuring the electrolyte elements such as Ca, Mg, K, and Na in blood serum. 

SRM 956 provides a critical link in the accuracy and traceability of the clinical measurement.  Now in its 6th iteration, SRM 956e must be developed to succeed SRM 956d that is expected to be out of stock in 2022. 

It takes approximately one year for the procurement of the materials and certification for SRM 956.  Following successful requisition of the material, the electrolyte elements and species in the material are measured at NIST and at external collaborating laboratories for the certification of the SRM.   

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, and facilities to provide:

1. 6,000 ampoules of SRM 956e, Electrolytes in serum from whole human blood at concentration Level 1.
2. 6,000 ampoules of SRM 956e, Electrolytes in serum from whole human blood at concentration Level 2.
3. 6,000 ampoules of SRM 956e, Electrolytes in serum from whole human blood at concentration Level 3.

The period of performance is anticipated to be 120 days from the date of award.

The NAICS code for this requirement is 325414 with a small business size standard of 1,250 employees.  Simplified Acquisition Procedures shall be utilized under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.

The competitive Request for Quotation (RFQ), amendments, and all questions and answers related to this procurement shall be made available via the Internet at beta.sam.gov under RFQ number 1333ND21QNB640184.

Potential quoters shall be responsible for obtaining this solicitation and related amendments, if any, from Beta.sam.gov after the solicitation has been posted.  It is, and will continue to be, the responsibility of each potential quoter to monitor beta.sam.gov for any amendments or other information related to the solicitation. 

Any communications regarding this acquisition must be made in writing and forwarded via email to carol.wood@nist.gov, and shall identify the solicitation number, company name, company address, as well as point of contact email address and phone number.

NIST anticipates posting the solicitation approximately seven days after the date of publication of this notice.