Short-Wave Infrared Radiation Open-Top Sample Digestion System

PRESOLICITATION NOTICE/Notice of Intent to Sole Source Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce Operating Unit: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Notice Type: Pre-solicitation Notice/Notice of Intent to Sole Source Point of Contact Contracting Officer: Donald Graham Address: U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology Acquisition Management Division (AMD) 100 Bureau Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899 Telephone: 301-975-6753 Email: donald.graham@nist.gov Codes for Services or Supplies Product Service Code (PSC): 6640 NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing Description Description of Supplies The National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), U.S. Department of Commerce, anticipates procuring a Short-Wave Infrared Radiation (IR) Open-Top Sample Digestion System. • Digestion Unit: The system shall include a primary multi-channel (between 10 and 20 channels) open-air digestion block designed to operate entirely inside an existing laboratory chemical fume hood. The Contractor shall verify the system fits the designated footprint and operates safely under minimum exhaust specifications. • System Controller: The system shall feature a digital controller unit with an integrated software package capable of multi-step digestion programming, accessible via tablet, laptop, or desktop. • Digestion Method: The system shall utilize focused short-wave infrared radiation to directly energize sample particles, coupled with an upper cooling zone that creates a condensation effect to prevent the escape of volatile elements. • External Recirculating Chiller: The system shall include a fully compatible external recirculating chiller dedicated to maintaining the digester’s upper condensation zone. The chiller shall meet or exceed the following: a recommended temperature range of -5°C to 25°C; a minimum cooling capacity of 300W @ 20°C; a minimum pump flow rate of 10 - 20 L/min; and a minimum reservoir volume of 3 - 5 Liters. • Starter Accessory Kit: The system shall include a starter accessory kit containing at least two (2) test tube racks/stands, two (2) transfer trays, a baseline set of compatible digestion tubes engineered to be fully compatible with the usage of hydrofluoric acid (such as Teflon instead of standard borosilicate or quartz), and one (1) spare short-wave infrared (IR) heating lamp (minimum 4,000-hour runtime rating). • Electrical Supply: The system controller shall be compatible with a dedicated, single- phase 208–240V AC, 50/60 Hz, 30 Amp power source. The Contractor shall provide the appropriate power cables and plug configurations (typically a NEMA 6-30 plug) that match the facility outlets (U.S.-based). -- 1 of 2 -- • Regulatory Compliance: The equipment supplied shall carry official CE and/or CSA safety inspections and certifications. Procedures for Award and Anticipated Award Date The Government anticipates awarding the contract using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements. The anticipated contract type is Firm-Fixed Price. The anticipated award date is September 2026 Noncompetitive Contract Action The Government intends to negotiate a contract on a noncompetitive basis with ColdBlock Technologies Inc., in accordance with RFO Part 12-102(a). The anticipated contract action is noncompetitive because market research indicates that are no alternative sources that are capable of meeting the requirements of the Statement of Requirements. ColdBlock specializes in short-wave IR open-top digestion technology using focused infrared lamps and upper cooling blocks/zones. Their systems heavily match the 10-to-20 channel multi-channel digestion block, short-wave IR heating mechanism, upper condensation cooling zone, and HF- compatible sample vessel specifications outlined in the SOR. The Government does not anticipate soliciting other sources. Responsible sources that believe they can satisfy the Government's requirement may submit information demonstrating their capability to provide the required supplies or services to the Contracting Officer at the address/email identified in this notice. Additional Acquisition Information Estimated Delivery: Within 90 days of award. Place of Performance: The primary location of performance is the NIST Gaithersburg campus, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Important Notice This pre-solicitation notice is not a request for proposals, quotations, or bids unless expressly stated otherwise. The Government is providing this notice to inform interested parties of its anticipated acquisition and to facilitate appropriate business planning. The Government reserves the right to modify the anticipated acquisition strategy, requirements, estimated value, contract type, solicitation schedule, or any other aspect of the acquisition. -- 2 of 2 --