NDSU - Optical Profilometer

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is soliciting bids under Invitation for Bid SRC000475 for a non-contact optical profilometer system that measures polymer surface roughness and surface topography, with bids due November 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. Bidders must be registered NDBuys suppliers to receive amendments and submit electronic responses through that portal. Casie Ewalt, the Procurement Officer (casie.ewalt@ndsu.edu, 701-231-9599), is the sole point of contact for all communications.

Award goes to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder that meets all mandatory specifications. The system must be modular, with a working distance of 4–10 millimeters, surface topography repeatability of 5 nanometers, RMS repeatability of 0.5 nanometers or better, an operational volume of at least 80 by 150 by 150 millimeters, software-enabled image stitching, and the ability to measure transparent films and buried interfaces. The research supports electrically responsive surface textures for autonomous platforms. The base bid must include installation, on-site configuration, commissioning, a functional demonstration, required user training, and a minimum one-year warranty. Bidders must identify supplied software, license types and duration, and any recurring fees for continued operation. The Cost Proposal Form separately itemizes base equipment, included software, delivery, installation, and training, with optional future-year software renewals and maintenance itemized separately.

Amendment 1, posted October 26, 2026, clarifies that operational volume and maximum sample size are distinct terms and that the Technical Compliance Form distinguishes manufacturer-published values from proposed values. It also states that objective lens options of 1–5x and approximately 50x are preferred at 20x and 10x, and that all specifications depend on budget constraints and available lens options. Bidders must acknowledge the amendment on their bid forms. The Technical Compliance Form covers 19 requirements, a delivery and installation schedule confirmation, and 12 technical narrative questions, and it must be returned with the bid.

Delivery and installation are required in Fall 2026, with commissioning completed by January 2027, at R1A Laboratories, 1735 NDSU Research Park Drive, Fargo, North Dakota 58102. The solicitation lists Cass County as the jurisdiction.