Nanosurf DriveAFM, DriveAFM Motorized Stage, Noise Isolation/Mitigation, Glove-Box Integration Kit, AFM Cantilever Starter Package, Nanosurf DriveAFM Revision 2, Upgrade Existing DriveAFM Scanhead with Direct QPD Connection

The Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking to procure a comprehensive suite of atomic force microscopy equipment and integration systems under solicitation RFQSSPR474450, with all items to be provided on a brand name or equal basis. The procurement includes the Nanosurf DriveAFM system with Revision 2 upgrades, a motorized stage, noise isolation and mitigation components, a glove-box integration kit, an AFM cantilever starter package, and an upgrade to enable direct QPD connection to the existing scanhead, along with necessary accessories, installation, and training. All deliverables are destined for onsite performance at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and must be delivered by a U.S. citizen. The contract is governed by the Department of Energy’s oversight through its contractor, UT-Battelle, LLC, and includes stringent security, safety, and data protection requirements, such as DOE access authorizations for personnel, compliance with NIST SP 800-171 for information security, FIPS 140-2 encryption standards, mandatory reporting of security incidents within one hour, and flow-down of all applicable clauses to subcontractors. Electrical equipment must be NRTL-listed or field-evaluated, and contractors are required to maintain commercial general liability insurance of $2 million and professional liability coverage. Additionally, the contract enforces strict ethical obligations under FAR clauses prohibiting kickbacks, restrictive subcontractor sales, and unauthorized payments to influence federal transactions, with payment terms governed by DEAR clauses that allow for withholding of funds under certain conditions. Proposals must adhere to the Bill of Materials detailed in Attachment C, and while the estimated contract value is not disclosed, the acquisition is subject to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold provisions for small business representation and subcontracting plan requirements if applicable. The solicitation is open for responses through July 31, 2026, with performance expected to exceed 120 days, and delivery governed by FOB Origin terms under which the contractor bears transportation risk until acceptance at the DOE site.