Biaxial Micro-tensile Machine for Installation in a Scanning Electron Microscope

Suppliers can find the complete tender document(s), at no cost, on: https://uwo.bonfirehub.ca. Procuring Entity: University of Western Ontario (Western) Procurement Services 1151 Richmond Street London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K7 Contact: Scott Roth sroth6@uwo.ca Procurement Method: Open tender whereby all interested Suppliers may submit a Proposal. Description: The RFP is an invitation to submit offers for the Supply of a Biaxial Micro-tensile Machine for Installation in a Scanning Electron Microscope, as further described herein. Summary: The multiscale deformation group at Western University is equipped with an Apreo-2S Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope (FEG-SEM) which has a Bruker Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) detector. The requested biaxial testing rig will be used inside this SEM to enable in situ testing of metals and alloys. This system will generate force–displacement and stress–strain data, with the potential for future upgrades to allow testing at varying temperatures. The rig will also enable direct observation of the evolution of localized strain and stress fields, as well as microcrack nucleation, within the SEM. The requested rig will be used to observe: • how metal and alloys deform under tensile (thermo)mechanical loads • how cracks initiate and propagate in advanced alloys Hence, it is expected that the requested rig fits into the Apreo-2S FEG-SEM, be capable of applying (thermo)mechanical loads while imaging inside the SEM. Background: Our research focuses on the measurement and characterization of localized stress fields and their correlation to manufacturing processes or to specific loading conditions that occur in service. We work on advanced metal alloys used in the nuclear, aerospace, and transportation industries, e.g., nickel, zirconium, and magnesium alloys. We use in-situ high-resolution imaging and diffraction techniques, along with crystal plasticity modeling, to simulate the formation of stress hot spots in polycrystals. In-situ experiments include applying thermomechanical loads to materials while probing with an electron beam to observe the formation of stress hot spots, cracks, and voids. Please download the tender package for further information. Budget: The estimated budget for this project is CAD$235,000 plus HST. Estimated Quantities: Available within the tender document Submission Details: All tender submissions must be uploaded electronically at https://uwo.bonfirehub.ca. Submission Deadline: May 19, 2026 at 12:00PM (noon) ET Public Opening: Not Applicable Conditions for Participation: Available within the tender document(s). Mandatory Submission Requirements: Appendix B- Submission Form Appendix C- Rate Bid Form Appendix D- Reference Form Appendix E- Deliverables and Technical Requirements Questionnaire Appendix F- Sustainability Supporting Documentation Complete submission requirements are provided within the tender document(s). Scored Submission Requirements: Mandatory Requirements Experience, Qualifications and References Deliverables and Technical Requirements Service and Support Value- Added Ideas Sustainability Accessibility (AODA) Pricing This procurement is covered by Chapter 5 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). Delivery Date: Summer 2026 Duration of Agreement: Upon receipt of equipment and satisfaction of obligations as set out in the Agreement. Additional Options: Available in the tender document(s) Negotiation: At the end of the evaluation process, Western may identify one or more Suppliers with whom it wishes to enter into negotiations, by written notification. See tender document(s) for further detail. Prequalification: Not Applicable Responses must be submitted in English. Suppliers should note that information contained within this Tender Notice is subject to change. Suppliers are encouraged to download the tender document(s) which contain the most current information. If there is a conflict between the tender document(s) and this Tender Notice, the tender document(s) will take precedence. Bidding and Documents are available on http://www.merx.com. Fees may apply; See https://www.merx.com/public/pricing for more information.