Cameca/ Ametek Ion Microscope Spectrometer upgrade

Notice of Intent

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Cameca Instruments Inc. located in Fitchburg, Wisconsin to purchase a upgrading Instrument Control Computer and Software for NIST owned Cameca/ Ametek Ion Microscope Spectrometer 1280.

The Materials Measurement Science Division (MMSD) performs sample and reference material characterization and metrology using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). One fundamental area of research is metrology relating to the elemental and isotopic characterization of micrometer-sized particulates. Inter- and intra-particle homogeneity for elements and isotopes is often of high importance for particulate reference materials, and these characteristics must be rigorously evaluated. However, due to the small size and atom-limited nature of potential micrometer-sized particle reference materials, ultra-high analytical sensitivity and rigorous data acquisition protocols are required.

NIST’s IMS 1270E7 was originally purchased in 2001 and was upgraded with new electronics in 2009 to have comparable performance to Cameca’s then-contemporary model IMS 1280 LG-SIMS. The instrument control and PC upgrade as part of this procurement will bring the software and data acquisition capabilities of the older Cameca IMS 1270E7/1280 LG-SIMS in line with the newer IMS models. This upgrade will extend the capabilities of the IMS 1270E7/1280 and prolong its useful lifetime.

Sole Source justification is based on the following:

This fully integrated computer system operates the high vacuum system, control electronics, and data acquisition for the entire tool. This upgrade contains proprietary control and acquisition algorithms that are protected by patents and are only available from the original equipment manufacturer, Cameca Instruments Inc. Cameca has stated in writing that they have no authorized resellers of this computer system upgrade stating: CAMECA is the world’s sole supplier of IMS 1270E7 and IMS1280 SIMS Instruments, upgrades, software and service support due to the substantial and continued investment in the development of all areas of technology for the SIMS technique and the resultant performance, productivity, quality and reliability of the CAMECA SIMS instruments.

The resulting order will be a Firm-Fixed Price purchase order.

NAICS code for this requirement will be 334516– Analytical Instruments with a small business size of 1000 employees.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 2/18/2025 will be considered by the Government.

A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Inquiry POCs

erik.frycklund@nist.gov Primary

donald.graham@nist.gov Secondary

National Institutes of Standards and Technologies NIST

Acquisition Management Division (AMD)

100 Bureau Dr. Mail Stop 1640

Gaithersburg, MD. 20899-1640