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: Western University’s strength in materials science will be complemented by the Focused Ion Beam / Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB/SEM) and Variable-Pressure Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (VP-FESEM). The addition of a Raman microscope integrated in one of the SEMs or as standalone is of high value to this project. The instruments will complement the extensive analytical suite at the Western Advanced Materials Foundry (WAMF), including its Nanofabrication Facility, and Surface Science Western. The instruments consist of the following: 1. Variable Pressure Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (VP-FESEM) with Accessories (EBSD + EDS +RAMAN + High T Stage) The instrument will serve as a cornerstone tool for high‑resolution microstructural, crystallographic, and chemical characterization. These analytical tools will enable in-situ experiments under environmental, thermal, and mechanical conditions. In addition to academic research, the VP-FESEM will be extensively used for industrial problem‑solving, failure analysis, and materials qualification. Overall, the VP-FESEM will function as a core platform within Western, supporting high‑impact research and industrial engagement over a projected operational lifetime of 10–20 years. Its ability to combine ultimate high‑resolution imaging under high vacuum with environmental control, high‑temperature operation, crystallographic analysis, and in-situ experimentation will significantly enhance Western’s analytical portfolio and enable research that cannot be performed using conventional SEM systems. 2. Focused Ion Beam / Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB/SEM) The FIB/SEM instrument will be used on a daily basis in the Nanofabrication Facility at Western University. Users will include both dedicated staff and occasional users (graduate students and post-graduate researchers). Applications will include site-specific lamella preparation for the Spectra 200 transmission electron microscope at Western (WAMF), atom probe preparation requiring lift-out, high-resolution SEM imaging, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Focused Ion Beam milling for simple cross-sectioning, lithographic FIB milling for preparation of compression testing pillars and cantilevers, and various nano-scale features such as pores in membranes. 3. Raman Microscope integrated in the SEM Raman microscopy is a surface analytical technique of interest for the users of the Nanofabrication Facility to perform vibrational measurements, spectra and maps on samples that have been imaged by SEM. This includes samples subject to corrosion, semiconductors, and soft materials. The possibility of integrating a Raman microscope into an SEM is an interesting analytical tool. Raman measurements in the SEM chamber could be done simultaneously with SEM imaging or sequentially after an SEM measurement. Software correlation and overlay of the Raman with the SEM images would be of interest for our samples. We encourage the offering of a third SEM system, which would be used for imaging and elemental analysis in a multi-user facility if it facilitates the requirements described here due to the incompatibility of two or more requirements. For example, heating substage and Raman incompatibility could be addressed by configuring separate instruments. Alternatively, Heating/EBSD/VP and future compatibility with mechanical testing stages could be configured in one SEM (field emission or LaB6 source), while EDS and e-beam lithography could be configured in a second high-resolution FESEM. We encourage the offering of multiple proposals with options itemized for cost. For any floor/demo options, these should clearly be specified, labelled as such, and provided in comparison to new equipment pricing. Western’s preference is to have a single solution; however, it may be necessary to implement multiple products and therefore the proponent(s) response(s) do not need to cover all platforms as Western may select multiple solutions to cover all of its needs. Refer to the RFP document for further information. Budget: The estimated total pre-tax budget is CAD$6,195,000 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: July 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET Public Opening: Not Applicable Conditions for Participation: Available within the tender document(s) Mandatory Submission Requirements: Appendix B- Submission Form Appendix C1 - Rate Bid Form Appendix C2 – Detailed Quote Appendix D- Reference Form Appendix E1- Common Deliverables - Deliverables and Technical Questionnaire Appendix E2- VP-FESEM - Deliverables and Technical Questionnaire Appendix E3- FIB-SEM - Deliverables and Technical Questionnaire Appendix E4- Raman Microscope - Deliverables and Technical Questionnaire Appendix F- Western’s Commitment to Sustainability in Procurement and Supporting Documents Appendix G- Proponents Checklist Complete submission requirements are provided within the tender document(s). Scored Submission Requirements: Mandatory Requirements Experience, Qualifications and References Technical Requirements Service and Support Sustainability Value- Added Ideas Accessibility (AODA) Pricing In-kind This procurement is covered by Chapter 5 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). This procurement is covered by Chapter 19 of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) Delivery Date: December 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.
