IFB 168030 - Rebid of Schottky Type Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) Capabilities

The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University is requesting bids for a Schottky type Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) capabilities under IFB 168030, with bids due August 26, 2026. This is a rebid of IFB 168023 following identified errors in the original specification.

The SEM/EDS system will characterize microstructures, fracture surfaces, powders, and elemental compositions of materials to support graduate student education and research in glass, ceramic, and metallic materials, with limited use on certain polymers in biomaterial work. Optional Electron Backscatter Diffraction capabilities will enable grain size analysis, phase analysis, and grain-orientation determination. The equipment must feature a Schottky field emission gun with accelerating voltage from 0.5 kV to 30 kV, beam current range of 10 pA to 50 nA, and high-vacuum resolution of 1 nanometer at 20 or 30 kV and 3 nanometers at 1 kV. Required detectors include Everhart-Thornley and backscattered electron types plus a CCD chamber camera. Magnification range must span 60x to 300,000x. The stage must provide minimum travel of 50 millimeters (X/Y) and 40 millimeters (Z), tilt range from −4 to +70 degrees, and sample capacity of at least 50 millimeters × 50 millimeters × 30 millimeters.

Bids must be submitted through BidNet Direct; emailed and hard-copy submissions will not be accepted. Written questions are due August 10, 2026 by 3:00 p.m., with official responses issued by August 17. The anticipated notification of intent to award is September 4, 2026. Bidders must certify that quoted prices are equal to or lower than those offered to other corporations, institutions, or governmental agencies for similar services and equipment. The procurement is subject to New York State Finance Law Sections 139j and 139k lobbying restrictions. No incumbent is identified, and no businesses hold an identical or substantially similar contract awarded within the past five years.