Benchtop EPR/ESR Spectrometer

This is a sources-sought market research notice issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under solicitation number NB686080-26-01894 to identify potential small business vendors capable of providing a benchtop electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer, also known as electron spin resonance (ESR). The notice is explicitly not a request for quotation or proposal, and no quotes will be accepted or considered at this time; its purpose is to gather market information to inform future procurement decisions. The required instrument must operate in the X-band (8 to 12 GHz), with a sensitivity of 5×10⁻¹⁰ spins/mT, a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 600:1 for weak signals, microwave power range of 10 µW to 100 mW (with preference for 1 µW to 200 mW), field homogeneity of ±5 µT, field stability of 1 µT/h, and a magnetic field sweep range of -10 to 650 mT (with a recommended extended range). The system must include an automated goniometer capable of precise 0.1-degree rotational control from 0 to 360 degrees, fully integrated with the spectrometer’s software for serialized angular experiments. Delivery and installation of the equipment, including comprehensive training and turnkey setup, must be completed within 20 weeks at the performance location in Boulder, Colorado, with a minimum three-year warranty recommended to extend to five years. Vendors must respond with a four-page capability statement that includes the company name, manufacturer details, country of origin, product specifications and examples demonstrating compliance, typical lead time after order receipt, and any additional relevant information to support market research. Proprietary data must be clearly identified, and marketing materials or sales brochures are not acceptable. Responses must be submitted via email to Angela Hitt at angela.hitt@nist.gov by the deadline of June 26, 2026, and the opportunity is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 334516, with the procuring office located in Gaithersburg, Maryland.