X-ray Diffractometer

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking to procure a specialized X-ray Diffractometer through Request for Quotation NB643080-25-01731. The procurement requires a high-precision commercial instrument with specific technical capabilities including transmission and capillary measurement functionality, advanced X-ray optics with a silver X-ray source, sample changing capabilities, and sophisticated detector specifications optimized for X-ray total scattering measurements. The instrument must meet rigorous performance standards including alignment accuracy of 0.01 2-theta over the full angular range and resolution of at least 0.07 degrees 2-theta, while complying with international safety standards for machinery, X-ray, electrical, and electromagnetic operations. The government will evaluate quotations holistically across four factors: technical capability (most important), experience, past performance, and price, with stronger consideration given to solutions exceeding minimum specifications such as Johansson monochromators and high-efficiency detectors. Quotations are due by September 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, submitted electronically to angela.hitt@nist.gov, following two amendments that extended the original August 5, 2025 deadline and incorporated questions and answers.

This solicitation is unrestricted with no set-aside designation and falls under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. No incumbent contractors or potential award values are specified in the documentation, though the procurement anticipates a firm-fixed-price purchase order awarded to the contractor submitting the most advantageous quotation. The contract involves procurement of a single X-ray diffractometer unit to support NIST research projects in AI-assisted materials synthesis, high-entropy alloys, additive manufacturing, and inorganic material structure determination. Performance will occur at NIST's facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where the Material Measurement Laboratory will utilize the instrument for advanced materials research. The government reserves the right to award based on initial quotations and may engage in technical and pricing discussions with the apparent successful contractor to finalize the purchase order.