Infrared Spectrometer

The State of Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Office of State Procurement Services, is soliciting quotations on behalf of the Maine Department of Transportation for a new Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) with an Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) accessory. This procurement is specifically designed for testing and classifying road construction materials, with a focus on liquid asphalt binder and additives. The required FTIR must possess specific technical specifications, including a diamond or platinum ATR, fully integrated software, a spectral range of 400cm-1 to 4000cm-1, a spectral resolution of 2cm-1 or higher, and a minimum two-year manufacturer warranty. Quotations are due on September 8, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. local time, with immediate delivery expected to MaineDOT's Bangor location. Bidders must submit their quotations through the state's Vendor Self Service (VSS) electronic procurement system, with pricing to include all shipping costs. The award will be made to the lowest bid meeting the posted specifications, and the state reserves the right to negotiate the purchase of additional units at the same bid price for six months after the initial award.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations are mentioned in the procurement documents. The state anticipates making one award but is not obligated to do so. Bidders must submit comprehensive documentation proving equivalency for any alternative items proposed, with the final determination of equivalency to be made by the requesting department. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement is for a single infrared spectrometer with potential for additional unit purchases. The state's procurement approach emphasizes technical compliance and competitive pricing, with a focus on obtaining a high-quality scientific instrument for material testing purposes. Vendors will need to demonstrate their ability to meet the precise technical specifications and provide comprehensive documentation to be considered for the contract.