Pilot trials testing Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Probes

The Department of Natural Resources Canada is conducting a sole-source procurement for pilot-scale testing of a refractory probe designed for Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in a simulated electric arc furnace (EAF) environment to determine its viability for real-time elemental analysis in steelmaking operations. The work will be performed at Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc.’s facility in Kingston, Ontario, utilizing a custom-built EAF with a liquid steel capacity between 200 and 750 kilograms, equipped with oxygen injection into the molten bath and roof access ports for probe insertion and removal. Only personnel with at least two years of direct experience in pyrometallurgical and steelmaking operations are eligible to conduct the tests. The contract is awarded under a government regulation exception that permits non-competitive procurement because Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc. is currently the only known entity capable of fulfilling all mandatory technical and operational requirements. The estimated contract value is $49,100.00, plus applicable GST/HST, with performance expected to conclude by November 1, 2026. The solicitation, identified as NRCan-5000096476 and posted on July 27, 2026, allows other potential suppliers to submit a Statement of Capabilities to challenge the sole-source designation; if a qualified alternative responds and meets all minimum requirements, the procurement will transition to a competitive evaluation involving both technical and financial assessments. No formal evaluation factors, weighting criteria, or award basis are outlined beyond the mandatory criteria, and no contract clause language, packaging requirements, preservation standards, labeling specifications, or invoicing instructions have been included in the Advance Contract Award Notice. All proposals must be submitted by August 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EST to Anik Samson, Procurement Specialist, via email or mail at 580 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4. No payment office, accounting codes, contracting officer representative, or certifications are specified, and the contract type remains unstated, though the nature of the work clearly constitutes a services contract. No attachments, deliverables beyond the assessment report, or inspection details outside the testing location are provided, and no security clearances, conflict of interest clauses, or options are referenced.