Thermal cracker effusion cells (UW-MAD) [19-0070]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Purchasing Services is seeking bids for two thermal cracker effusion cells to support fundamental research in materials science, specifically for selenide and arsenide materials. The procurement is designed for the Materials Science and Engineering Department and requires specialized scientific equipment compatible with an existing molecular beam epitaxy system. Each of the two cells must have specific technical requirements, including a 270mm in-vacuum length, independently heated cracker and reservoir regions with thermal isolation, reservoir capacity of at least 50 cubic centimeters, integrated water cooling, and bakeable power and thermocouple cables. Optional items for bid include a linear shutter module with controller, two sets of PID controllers and DC power supplies, and mechanical valves for both arsenic and selenium cracker cells. The bid was posted on June 18, 2019, with written questions due by June 21, 2019, and final bids due by 2:00 p.m. CDT on June 27, 2019. Award determination will occur following the bid due date, with the selection based on the lowest extended net total that best serves the University's interests.

Bidders must be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or dealer-authorized manufacturers with at least three years of experience providing effusion cell items or services. The procurement includes provisions for Certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB), which may receive preference if their qualified bids are not more than 5 percent higher than the apparent low bid. All bidders must certify they are not debarred or suspended from federal contracts and must comply with Wisconsin Executive Order 261 regarding boycotts of the State of Israel. The University qualifies for governmental and educational discounts, which must be reflected in unit prices. Payment terms are set at Net 30 days following acceptance of goods and verification of specification compliance. The University is exempt from federal and Wisconsin state and local taxes, except Wisconsin excise taxes. While a specific award value is not mentioned, the procurement involves specialized scientific equipment with potential for optional add-on components.