Ultra-Fast Camera for FEI Titan (S)TEM (UW-MAD) [18-0053]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking proposals for an Ultra-Fast Camera for an FEI Titan Scanning/Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Purchasing Services Department on behalf of the Materials Science and Engineering Department. The procurement targets next-generation direct electron detection cameras with advanced capabilities for 4D STEM and electron correlation microscopy applications. Key deliverables include a minimum of five replacement sensors and a system to be installed at 1509 University Avenue in Madison, Wisconsin. The proposal evaluation will be comprehensive, scoring technical specifications (700 points), delivery schedule (50 points), and cost (250 points) for a maximum of 1,000 points. Critical deadlines include proposal submission by March 28, 2018, at 2:00 PM CDT, with written questions due by March 16, 2018, and answers provided by March 21, 2018. The university plans to conduct evaluations and oral presentations during the week of April 2, 2018, with award notification expected the week of April 9, 2018. An optional site visit is available by contacting Alex Kvit at kvit@wisc.edu.

The RFP requires contractors to maintain commercial liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 and comply with Wisconsin supplier diversity requirements and federal and state regulations. Payment terms are structured as Net 30 days following acceptance of goods and services, with a typical payment plan of 25% increments tied to design completion, purchase order receipt, delivery, and installation/acceptance. Maintenance pricing for years 2-4 following the warranty period must be included in the proposal. The cost proposal must reflect FOB Destination Installed pricing, encompassing all delivery, installation, freight, insurance, setup, and instruction charges. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the supplier diversity requirements suggest potential preferences for diverse vendors. The university will handle custom charges and fees for imported items through its designated customs broker. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the comprehensive technical requirements and multi-stage payment structure indicate a potentially significant procurement investment for this advanced scientific instrumentation.