Molecular surface force measurement system (UW-MAD) [20-0030]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for a complex Molecular Surface Force Measurement System for its Chemical and Biological Engineering Department through a Request for Bid (RFB) process. The procurement requires a highly specialized scientific instrument capable of precise surface interactions measurement, with specific technical requirements including controlling separation distance between cylindrical surfaces within 2-3 Angstroms, moving surfaces with 1-30 nanometer precision, and providing force sensitivity between 0.01-0.1 mN/m and 10-100 mN/m. The system must include additional components such as a spectrometer, high-speed camera capable of recording interferometry spectra above 50 frames per second, heating capabilities between 30-85 degrees Celsius, and an air-tight enclosure under 100 cubic centimeters. The bid was issued on September 18, 2019, with written questions due by September 25, 2019, and final bids due on October 2, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time. The desired delivery date is on or before April 15, 2020, and the award will be made to the lowest extended net total bid judged to be in the best interest of the University.

The procurement includes specific vendor qualifications, requiring bidders to be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or authorized dealers with at least three years of similar service experience. The University offers supplier diversity preferences, allowing certified Minority Business Enterprises or Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses to submit qualified bids up to 5 percent higher than the apparent low bid. Contractors must provide a manufacturer's standard warranty of at least 12 months from delivery and demonstration, maintain commercial liability and property damage insurance with a minimum of one million dollars coverage, and comply with debarment certification requirements. Payment terms are structured with 50 percent due at the time of order and the remaining 50 percent due upon delivery and acceptance. Bid prices must be submitted on an F.O.B. Destination Installed basis, with all costs including packing, freight, insurance, set-up, instruction, operation manuals, and on-site service included in the price, excluding import/export costs. While a specific award value is not explicitly stated, the procurement is for a sophisticated scientific instrument that likely represents a significant investment for the university's research capabilities.