BID 25-01 - Optical Coating Chamber

Monroe Community College (MCC), located in Rochester, New York, is seeking sealed proposals for Bid 25-01, a grant-funded procurement of an advanced optical coating chamber for its Optics Program. The primary objective is to acquire an electron beam evaporation and ion-assisted deposition system capable of coating optical components ranging from 40mm to 49.53mm in diameter. The equipment must feature specific technical capabilities, including quartz crystal deposition layer monitoring, substrate heating, water-cooled chamber walls, and the ability to apply single and multiple layer coatings. The bid allows for configurations with one or two electron beam guns and requires an integrated chiller unit. Proposals are due by 3:00 PM EST on November 8, 2024, with bidders required to provide references from at least two sites where similar equipment has been installed within the past three years. Evaluation criteria will focus on technical specifications, warranty, service capabilities, and overall compliance with the detailed bid requirements. Vendors must complete non-collusive bidding and Iran Divestment Act certifications as part of their proposal submission.

While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the bid emphasizes comprehensive vendor support requirements, including telephone consultation within one working day and on-site support within one week. The procurement does not appear to have restrictions limiting participation based on business size or type, though vendors must demonstrate technical capability and previous experience with similar optical coating systems. Shipping terms require vendors to include all freight charges in their invoice, with MCC reserving the right to award the contract on an item-by-item basis to the lowest responsible bidder meeting the specifications. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the grant-funded nature of the project and the specialized technical requirements suggest a significant investment in advanced educational equipment. The college's primary goal is to provide students with hands-on experience in precision optical thin film coating, emphasizing the educational and technological development objectives of this procurement.