What this opportunity is
The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking to purchase a Nicolet Summit X Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer to support the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's research on respirable crystalline silica exposure in mining environments. This opportunity is open to all businesses, as there is no set-aside. The solicitation indicates a need for current-generation instrumentation compatible with modern software, making it essential for interested vendors to track the solicitation closely rather than bid, as the performance period extends until September 30, 2026.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
Statement of Work / Performance Work Statement
Title: Purchase of Nicolet Summit X Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer
Model number 912A1139
Period of performance of this contract is: from time of award to September 30, 2026
Base Period: From time of award to Sept 30, 2026
SECTION 1 – BACKGROUND
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Mining Program conducts research to develop
and implement monitoring methods for respirable crystalline silica exposure in mining environments. A key
component of this work is the Rapid Quartz Analysis (RQA) approach, which uses portable Fourier
Transform Infrared spectroscopy to measure crystalline silica in respirable dust samples and support mine
operators in protecting worker health.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is one of the four major manufacturers of portable Fourier Transform Infrared
spectrometers. The program currently utilizes Thermo Fisher Scientific spectrometers; however, these
instruments are older models that are approaching manufacturer end-of-life and are no longer fully
supported for service. In addition, stakeholders implementing the RQA approach who purchase from
Thermo will be purchasing the new instrument models since the older models have been discontinued.
Additionally, the existing National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-developed data processing
tools are not compatible with updated software platforms. Acquisition of the Nicolet Summit X FTIR
spectrometer is required to maintain compatibility with current instrumentation, ensure continuity of
research capabilities, and support stakeholder needs.
SECTION 2 – PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this acquisition is to procure a Nicolet Summit X Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer and
associated components to support ongoing research and stakeholder implementation of the Rapid Quartz
Analysis monitoring approach.
The objective is to provide the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health with current-generation
instrumentation that is compatible with modern software platforms, supports development and validation of
analytical methods, and enables continued support of mine operators and stakeholders implementing
respirable crystalline silica monitoring technologies.
SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK
The contractor shall provide one Nicolet Summit X Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer, including all
required hardware, software, and accessories necessary for operation. The contractor shall ensure that the
system is fully functional, compatible with current operating systems and software, and suitable for analysis
of respirable dust samples in support of the Rapid Quartz Analysis method.
The scope of work includes delivery of the instrument, installation (if required), and provision of all standard
documentation, licenses, and warranties. The contractor shall ensure that the equipment meets manufacturer
specifications and is delivered in new condition.
The scope is limited to the provision of the instrument and associated components and does not include
ongoing analytical services beyond installation and initial support.
SECTION 4 – TASKS TO BE PERFORMED
Task 1: Equipment Provision and Delivery
1. The contractor shall provide
a. NICOLET SUMMIT X FTIR SPECTROMETER
i. LightDrive Optical Engine technology
ii. Single-point source with non-migrating hotspot (10-year warranty)
iii. Interferometer with KBr/Ge coated beamsplitter and dynamic alignment,
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iv. 7800-350 cm-1 (10-year warranty)
v. Solid-state, temperature controlled diode laser (10-year warranty)
vi. High-Performance - Deuterated Triglycine Sulfate (DTGS) detector
vii. Integrated LightBar for visual feedback on pass/fail results
viii. Desiccated optical compartment sealed in a Al alloy chassis
ix. Integrated heat and humidity electronic sensors to protect the
x. bench from potential damage due to extreme environments
xi. Auto-align energy optimization
xii. Factory verified specifications, including:
xiii. 1 minute signal to noise of better than 35,000:1
xiv. 0.6 cm-1 standard resolution
xv. System Performance Verification (SPV) kit to automatically monitor system
status including:
1. ~ Hardware Diagnostics
2. ~ Performance Verification based on ASTM E1421
3. ~ Internal 1.5 MIL (38 micron) NIST traceable polystyrene
(supplied with certificate)
2. OMNIC Paradigm Desktop Software includes these standard features:
a. Dashboard/Home screen for quick access of recent work
b. Visual, drag and drop workflow creator with example templates
c. Live displays of data collection and spectral data preview
d. Connectivity to OMNIC Anywhere cloud-based application
e. Smart Background features cuts analysis time by 50%
f. ATR Crystal Clean Detection provides visual indication of crystal cleanliness
g. Advanced instrument health information tracking (optional)
h. Software updates available for download online
i. Flexible, one-click library creation
j. Pre-defined reporting templates exportable to Microsoft Office Suite
k. Multi-component search functionality
l. Includes Pharmacopeia workflows (Ph. Eur., USP, JP, CP)
m. Full spectral processing and analysis tools (baseline correction, spectral
math, peak area, peak height, etc…)
n. Qcheck correlation for QA/QC data analysis
o. TQ EZ for quantification method development and prediction (Measure
Only, Similarity Match, Beer`s Law, and CLS)
p. Automated workflow creator based on user behavior
q. Includes over 5,000 library spectra of a variety of materials
r. Free upgrades included for the first 12-months
s. Includes one copy of Paradigm workstation software
t. OMNIC Paradigm Touchscreen Software includes these standard features:
u. Multi-point, ultra-responsive software interface
v. Simplified visual layout for streamlined application analysis
w. Push-button simplicity to run dedicated workflows and analyses
x. Spectral viewer with basic processing tools (i.e. peak area)
3. iD1 Transmission Accessory for the Nicolet Summit
a. Holds a wide variety …
Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.