Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR)

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is seeking to procure a Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) through a Request for Quotations (RFQ # 17A 251020-0089) issued by the State of Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Office of State Procurement Services. The solicitation targets a standalone scientific instrument specifically designed for testing and classifying road construction materials, with a particular focus on liquid asphalt binder and additives. The required FTIR spectrometer must feature a diamond or platinum Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) configuration, a spectral range of 400cm-1 to 4000cm-1, a spectral resolution of 2cm-1 or higher, and a fully integrated touchscreen interface for direct operational control. Vendors must submit quotations via the state's Vendor Self Service (VSS) system by November 12th at 4:00 p.m. local time, with the state anticipating a single award to the lowest-priced qualified bidder. The instrument must come with a minimum two-year manufacturer warranty and be delivered to MaineDOT's Bangor location at 219 Hogan Road, with all shipping costs to be included in the bid price. Bidders are required to provide a unit price, estimated delivery days, and may include additional comments about their proposal.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations, suggesting open competition among vendors capable of meeting the technical specifications. The state reserves the right to negotiate the purchase of additional units at the bid price for six months after the initial award, providing potential future procurement flexibility. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly mentioned, the solicitation emphasizes a turnkey solution that can operate independently without mandatory PC connectivity, though optional PC connection is acceptable for extended analysis and data transfer. The RFQ notes that the procurement has no guaranteed award, and all purchases will depend on bid results and departmental budget constraints. The bid document includes an Excel sheet with a curious $0.00 placeholder bid price, which might indicate a potential administrative placeholder or preliminary document preparation. The procurement is specifically localized to Penobscot County, Maine, and targets a specialized scientific instrument for transportation infrastructure material testing, suggesting a focused, technical procurement with specific performance requirements.