Microwave Generator and PCU
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) is soliciting proposals for a Microwave Generator and Process Control Unit to support in-situ X-ray experimentation at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). This Request for Quotation (RFQ) will be evaluated using a Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology. Proposals are due by May 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM CST.
Purpose & Scope
ANL aims to acquire a fully integrated microwave-assisted heating system to enable controlled microwave-material interaction studies under APS beamline conditions. The system's scope includes its design, fabrication, testing, delivery, and optional installation support.
Key components and capabilities required are:
- A microwave resonant cavity heating system operating in TE111 mode within the 2.4–2.5 GHz frequency band.
- Compatibility with APS experimental configurations, including high-energy diffraction, tomography, and rotating sample-stage assemblies.
- Sight access with X-ray-transparent windows and bottom access for sample insertion.
- Support for programmable temperature profiles, closed-loop PID control, synchronized data acquisition, and integration with APS beamline experiments.
- Provision of all necessary hardware, control electronics, microwave power delivery equipment, software (Python or LabVIEW-based), instrumentation, documentation, and support.
Specific requirements include a 450 W, 2.45 GHz solid-state microwave generator (e.g., SAIREM GMS450 or equivalent), a closed-loop process control system with PID routines, a Windows-based control computer, and a water chiller for cooling.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Solicitation (RFQ)
- Product Service Code: 5999 (Miscellaneous Electrical And Electronic Components)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Evaluation: Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA)
- Response Due: May 26, 2026, 5:00 PM CST
- Published Date: May 20, 2026
- Issuing Office: ARGONNE NATL LAB - DOE CONTRACTOR
Submission Requirements
Offerors must adhere strictly to the solicitation package instructions:
- Sign page 1 of the solicitation.
- Complete all points on page 2, including anticipated ship date and country of origin.
- Provide firm fixed-pricing in US Dollars on the individual line item boxes on page 2.
Additionally, bidders must complete and certify the "ANL-70A Reps and Certs (Short Version)", which covers various FAR clauses and business representations. Review "Appendix A: Argonne Terms and Conditions for Commercial Goods and Services" for contractual obligations. Failure to complete the three primary points (signing, page 2 details, pricing) will result in the solicitation being discarded.
Contact Information
For questions, contact Laura Sanchez at Sanchezl@anl.gov or 630-252-1621.