Benchtop X-ray Diffractometer

The National Research Council of Canada is soliciting a benchtop X-ray diffractometer (XRD) for use at its Mississauga Research Center to support advanced materials and chemical science research, with a requirement that the system analyze powder, small crystal, thin film, and metallic samples. The instrument must be a fully integrated, plug-and-play benchtop unit with all components—including the X-ray generator and goniometer—housed in a single enclosure, capable of operating in both reflection and transmission modes, and able to automatically recognize and identify installed optical components and sample stages. The system must be easily reconfigurable with minimal realignment, designed for integration into automated workflows, and delivered within 20 weeks of contract award. The procurement follows a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology, where bidders must meet all mandatory technical criteria outlined in Annex F before price becomes the deciding factor; only technically compliant proposals are eligible for award, with no trade-offs permitted between cost and performance. The contract value is not pre-established, and pricing is to be submitted by offerors in a lump sum for the primary instrument, along with optional items such as additional units and extended warranties. The successful bidder must provide full system integration, including a database license (COD or ICDD PDF-4/PDF-5), an uninterruptible power supply, and all necessary hardware, firmware, and software. Delivery must occur at 2620 Speakman Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, under DAP Incoterms® 2020, with Canada retaining the right to inspect the equipment at the contractor’s facility or upon delivery, and a 30-day acceptance window following delivery. All equipment must comply with Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, Radiation Safety Codes, and be certified by a Standards Council of Canada-accredited body. Packaging must prioritize reusable, recyclable, or returnable materials under Green Procurement Policy guidelines, and each shipment must be clearly labeled with quantity, part number, description, contract number, and procurement billing number. Contractors must hold Canadian citizenship or be a Canadian supplier under reciprocal procurement rules, and personnel may require CONFIDENTIAL to TOP SECRET security clearances based on access to classified material. Proposals must be submitted electronically by August 17, 2026, in separate, non-zipped files not exceeding 10MB, including technical and financial offers along with mandatory declaration forms certifying compliance with integrity, employment equity, international sanctions, and anti-forced labor