Low Voltage Compact Electron Microscope System

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (Amendment 2) to RFP No. 462081 revises Attachment B - RFP462081 Technical Specifications and extends the response due date.

• Amendment Date: Updated to 5/12/2026.
• Amendment Purpose: Revised to "Revise Attachment B- RFP462081 Technical Specifications".
• Response Due Date: Extended to 5/19/2026 at 5:00PM EST.

Offerors must note the extended deadline for submitting their proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "RFP462081- Technical Specifications Rev 1," details the technical specifications for a low voltage compact electron microscope system. It serves as Attachment B to the solicitation and outlines the required components and their performance characteristics.

Item 1: LVEM 25E Base System

• Fully self-contained and portable system on castors.
• Schottky type Field Emission Gun (FEG) with automated alignment.
• Integrated Ion Getter and enhanced Turbomolecular Pumps.
• Fully motorized stage (x, y, z) with automated coarse focus.
• Computer with software for LVEM25E operations.
• Includes two 24" widescreen monitors and an ergonomic work table.
• Certified Installation & Customer-site training, and a one-year standard warranty.

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) imaging mode (25kV)

• 1.0nm resolution; 1,300,000 x maximum magnification.
• Includes Electron Diffraction (ED).
• 2048 x 2048 pixel 16 bit backside illuminated sCMOS with 1.0 e- read noise.

Item 2: Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) imaging modes

• Includes brightfield and Dark-Field imaging modes.
• 15kV STEM (1.3nm resolution; 750,000 x maximum magnification).
• 10kV STEM (1.0nm resolution; 940,000 x maximum magnification).

Item 3: Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging mode

• Includes beam current measurement.
• 15kV STEM (4nm resolution; 750,000 x maximum magnification).

Item 4: Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS)

• Bruker Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) (Requires Tilt).
• Bruker Espirit software and online license.
• Silicon Drift Detector (SDD).
• Energy Resolution Mn Ka ≤ 129eV.

Item 5: Additional Bruker Espirit Offline License

Item 6: Additional Standard Sample Holder

Item 7: Tilt Sample Holder

• ± 20° of rotation on 1 axis.

Item 8: Backup power supply 1500W

• Ion pump backup time ~43 hours.

Item 9: Extended Warranty - Standard Warranty

• Includes all parts and labor, shipping and technician travel.

Item 10: Extended Warranty - Saver Warranty

• Includes all parts and labor only.

Requirements:

• The low voltage compact electron microscope system shall have a width and depth less than 2.75 feet by 2.75 feet to fit into laboratory space.
• The system must have the ability to be coupled to a custom glovebox.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the precise technical requirements and specifications for the electron microscope system being procured. It details the necessary components, imaging capabilities, resolution, magnification, and specific performance standards. Bidders must ensure their proposed solution meets or exceeds all listed specifications and requirements to be considered compliant.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding RFP462081.

• Shipping Address: 1 Bethel Valley Road, Bldg 7120, Oak Ridge, TN 37830-8050, United States.
• Contract Type: This is a new contract; there is no incumbent performing these services.
• RFP Due Date Extension: Amendment 1 to the RFP extends the response due date to May 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.

The RFP response due date has been extended to 5/13/2026 at 5:00 PM EST due to Amendment 1.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (Amendment 1) to RFP No. 462081 extends the Response Due Date.

• Amendment Purpose: Extended the Response Due Date to 5/13/2026 at 5:00 PM EST.

• RFP Information (Section 2): The "Offers Due By" date has been updated to 5/13/2026 at 5:00 PM EST.

• The deadline for submitting proposals has been extended to May 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment A to RFP462081, providing a Bill of Materials for the procurement. It lists the specific items required, their manufacturers, and quantities. Bidders are expected to use this document to provide pricing information.

• Line Items: Details 10 specific items, including microscopes (LVEM 25E, Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope), accessories (Bruker Esprit offline license, sample holders), power supply, and warranties.
• Manufacturer: Specifies the manufacturer for each item (Delong Instruments, Bruker Corporation).
• Quantity: Indicates a quantity of 1 for each item.
• Pricing Fields: Includes columns for Lead Time, Unit Price, and Total Price, which bidders must complete.
• Equivalency: Many items allow for "OR Domestic Equivalent," indicating that bidders may propose equivalent products.
• Procurement Officer Note: States that detailed technical specifications for these items can be found on Attachment B - RFP462081.

This Bill of Materials is critical for bidders to understand the specific equipment and components required for the opportunity. Bidders must use this document to prepare their pricing proposals, ensuring they account for each listed item and its specifications, or provide approved domestic equivalents. The reference to Attachment B highlights the need to consult the technical specifications for a complete understanding of the requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment B - RFP462081 Technical Specifications," details the specific technical requirements and components for an opportunity related to electron microscopy equipment.

This attachment outlines ten distinct "Items" that collectively describe the required system:

• Item 1: LVEM 25E Base System, including a self-contained, portable unit with a Schottky type Field Emission Gun (FEG), integrated ion getter, motorized stage and aperture, computer with software, dual monitors, ergonomic work table, toolkit, certified installation, customer training, and a one-year warranty. It also specifies the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) imaging mode with Electron Diffraction (ED), detailing resolution and magnification.
• Item 2: Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) imaging modes, specifying brightfield and Dark-Field imaging, with resolution and magnification details for 15kV and 10kV STEM.
• Item 3: Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging mode, including beam current measurement and specifications for 15kV SEM.
• Item 4: Bruker Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) system, requiring a tilt, including Bruker Espirit software, a Silicon Drift Detector (SDD), and energy resolution specifications.
• Item 5: An additional Bruker Espirit Offline License.
• Item 6: An additional Standard Sample Holder.
• Item 7: A Tilt Sample Holder with +/- 20° rotation.
• Item 8: A 1500W backup power supply with approximately 43 hours of ion pump backup time.
• Item 9: Extended Warranty - Standard Warranty, covering parts, labor, shipping, and technician travel.
• Item 10: Extended Warranty - Saver Warranty, covering parts and labor only.

This attachment is critical for bidders to understand the precise technical specifications and components required for the electron microscopy system. It directly informs the configuration, pricing, and technical compliance of any proposal submitted for RFP462081.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Prime Supplemental Flowdown Document," outlines additional terms and conditions that UT-BATTELLE, LLC, as the prime contractor, will incorporate by reference into its subcontracts and purchase orders. It serves to flow down mandatory U.S. Government regulatory and customer obligations from Oak Ridge National Laboratory's contract with the Department of Energy (DOE).

• The document lists numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) clauses, along with specific DOE Orders and directives.
• Each clause is listed with its number, title, and a brief description of its applicability, often based on contract value thresholds or specific types of procurements (e.g., construction, services, information technology).
• It specifies that in case of conflict between this document and other terms, the version in this document takes precedence.
• It also states that clauses inapplicable to a specific subcontract will be considered self-deleting.

Potential subcontractors and suppliers should carefully review this document to understand the mandatory terms and conditions that will be applied to their subcontracts or purchase orders. This includes understanding any specific requirements, limitations, or obligations triggered by the nature or value of the work being subcontracted. It is crucial for bidders to assess how these flow-down clauses may impact their ability to perform, their pricing, and their compliance responsibilities.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Proposal (RFP) from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks proposals for a Low Voltage Compact Electron Microscope System. ORNL is a US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory focused on research and development.

• The core requirement is the supply of a Low Voltage Compact Electron Microscope System.

• Specific technical specifications and a Bill of Materials are provided in Attachments A and B.

• Offerors must provide a proposal that clearly demonstrates understanding and capability to meet the stated objectives.

• Proposals must be technically feasible and achievable within the specified timeframes.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Offer Validity Period: 120 days.

• Period of Performance: To Be Determined.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but proposals exceeding $15,000 require specific certifications and disclosures.

• Questions Due By: April 29, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.

• Offers Due By: May 6, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.

• Basis of Award: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Offers will be evaluated for technical acceptability against specified requirements. The lowest-priced offer that meets all requirements will be selected.

• Proposal Format: MS Excel, MS Word, or PDF. Must be submitted on company forms if provided, otherwise in the format of the offeror's choosing.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical acceptability based on Attachments A and B, and overall price.

• Small Business Set-Aside: No.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (1000 Employees).

• Offerors are encouraged to maintain active registration in SAM.gov to verify small business status and eligibility.

• The RFP includes several attachments detailing Bill of Materials, Technical Specifications, Terms and Conditions, and Representations and Certifications.

• Offerors are encouraged to suggest practical performance incentives and identify cost-saving alternatives.

• Specific requirements for proposal preparation, including format, content, and submission of exceptions, are detailed.

• The company reserves the right to update the RFP by amendment prior to award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Representations and Certifications - Abbreviated," requires offerors to provide specific certifications and representations related to their business status, compliance with regulations, and potential conflicts of interest. It is a mandatory form for potential bidders to complete and submit as part of their offer.

• Type of Organization: Offeror must specify their organizational type.
• Export Control: Certifications regarding Trigger List Items, Military/Space Items, and Dual Use Items.
• Buy American Act: Representations concerning domestic vs. foreign end products.
• Child Labor: Certification regarding knowledge of child labor for listed end products.
• Prohibition on Telecommunications Equipment: Representations concerning the use of prohibited telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment.
• Conflict of Interest: Disclosure and certification regarding organizational or personal conflicts of interest.
• Payments to Influence Federal Transactions: Certification regarding lobbying activities.
• Employee Concerns Program: Acknowledgment of requirements related to employee concerns and differing professional opinions.
• Business Size Certification: Self-certification of business size status (Small Business, Veteran-Owned, etc.) based on the provided NAICS code and size standard.

Completing and submitting this form accurately is crucial for bid eligibility. It ensures compliance with various federal regulations and procurement policies. Bidders must carefully review each section and provide truthful certifications to avoid potential penalties or disqualification. The business size certification, in particular, determines eligibility for certain set-aside opportunities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Terms & Conditions - Commercial Products and Services" that are applicable to agreements with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). It details the contractual obligations, responsibilities, and requirements for sellers (vendors) engaging in business with ORNL.

This document is extensive and covers numerous aspects of the agreement, including:

• Definitions: Clarifies key terms used throughout the document.
• Dispute Resolution: Outlines the process for resolving claims and disputes.
• Payment and Administration: Details payment terms and how the agreement will be administered.
• Acceptance of Terms: Seller's agreement to comply with all terms.
• Communication: Defines communication protocols with the Government.
• Inspection and Acceptance: Procedures for inspecting and accepting products/services.
• Warranty: Seller's warranty obligations for products and services.
• Assignment, Novation, Name Change: Procedures for changes to the seller's entity.
• Material Requirements: Specifies requirements for materials used.
• Transportation and Shipping: Terms related to delivery and shipping.
• Payment Terms: Details payment schedules and methods.
• Compliance with Laws: Seller's obligation to adhere to all applicable laws.
• Fines and Penalties: Responsibility for fines incurred due to non-compliance.
• Termination: Conditions under which the agreement can be terminated (default or convenience).
• Bankruptcy: Seller's notification requirements in case of bankruptcy.
• Incorporation by Reference: Lists various FAR, DEAR, and Company clauses that are part of the agreement.
• Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H): Seller's responsibilities for ensuring a safe work environment.
• Electrical Equipment Requirements: Standards for electrical equipment.
• Export Control: Compliance with U.S. export control laws.
• Government Property: Management and responsibility for government-furnished property.
• Changes: Process for making changes to the agreement.
• Excusable Delay: Conditions under which delays are excused.
• Employee Concerns Program / Differing Professional Opinions: Processes for raising concerns.
• Information Technology & PII Protection: Requirements for IT acquisitions and protection of Personally Identifiable Information.
• Specific Parts: Additional clauses applicable when products include services, when seller personnel work on DOE sites, or when work involves classified information.

This document is critical for any potential bidder. It establishes the foundational legal and operational framework for any contract awarded. Bidders must carefully review these terms to understand their rights, obligations, potential liabilities, and the specific requirements they must meet to successfully perform the contract. Key areas of focus for bidders include payment terms, warranty requirements, ES&H obligations, data protection, and termination clauses, as these directly impact the cost, risk, and execution of the work.