Notice of Intent to Sole Source to Malvern Panalytical

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Acquisition Services (OAS) on behalf of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) intends to award a sole source firm fixed priced simplified purchase order for the purchase of DIFFRACTOMETER DEMO equipment. A research-grade multipurpose floor standing X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) system is being procured to meet the need for quantitative measurement of airborne mineral particles in workplace atmospheres. The XRD system must be equipped with modular beam optics and a high-speed 2D detector to provide high quality powder diffraction data as well as flexibilities for 0D/ 1 D/2D diffraction and Small-angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) measurements. The procured XRD system must have also have the following: 1) Modular beam optics and auto alignment features to allow easy operation by users with varying levels of experience and for a wide range of optical configurations such as Bragg-Brentano, parallel, divergent, focused, SAXS, and micro diffraction. 2) A high-speed 2D detector with large active area, low background and high sensitivity to meet the requirements for mineral sample testing and quantification (i.e., respirable silica dusts in compliance with NIOSH method 7500). The system should achieve the limit of detection (LOD) of ~1 μg for alpha-quartz in less than 30 minutes of measurement time. 3) SAXS capabilities to facilitate the determination of particle size distribution, shapes and structures, as well as the analysis of crystalline phases for different types of samples. 4) Copper X-ray tube of the long fine focus design with a minimum loading of 1.8 kW or more. 5) Vertical theta/theta Goniometer with a radius of 240 mm or less to provide the highest X-ray intensity to allow on-filter sample analysis using NIOSH method 7500. 6) Automatic sample changer for reflection/transmission applications, sample holders for filter samples, and sample stage for SAXS/WAXS. 7) Integrated software package(s) for instrument control, user guidance, data collection and data analysis. Support phase identification and quantitative analysis to perform NIOSH 7500 measurements and SAXS applications. 8) Searchable crystallography data base for crystallinity determination, crystallite size and lattice strain, cell refinement, and Small Angle X-ray Scattering analysis 9) Upgradable to future applications such as micro diffraction, high resolution diffraction and non-ambient sample stages with a range of incident beam user selectable optics for micro-analysis, focusing transmission optics and high intensity- low background measurements Extensive research was conducted to assess the competing models which yielded that Panalytical Empyrean is the only XRD system that meets all the requirements for conducting quantitative diffraction measurements of airborne mineral particle samples. This contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (SAP) and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all quotations/responses received within seven (7) days of the issuance of this notice will be considered by the government. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract 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. Any quotation /response should be emailed to the Contracting Specialist at [email protected] by COB 06-09-2020. No telephonic quotes shall be considered.