Sources Sought Notice for CHIPS R&D Thermogravimetric Analyzer with Gas Chromatography (GC) – Mass Spectrometry (MS)

The purpose of this sources sought notice is to conduct market research and identify potential sources of commercial products/services that satisfy the Government’s anticipated needs.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) supports the development of measurement science critical to a resilient and sustainable U.S. semiconductor ecosystem. The semiconductor supply chain is global, specialized, and interconnected, chipmakers depend on thousands of suppliers for highly complex materials and tools. To address gaps in supply chain visibility and R&D infrastructure, NIST conducts metrology to advance new materials, packaging technologies, and production methods essential to semiconductor manufacturing.

The Materials Measurement Laboratory (MML) Materials Science and Engineering Division’s (MSED) Thermodynamics and Kinetics Group (TKG) is developing a vacuum distillation recovery process for critical materials using recycled microelectronics waste. MSED aims to elaborate on separating processes as a function of temperature and vacuum pressure across different phases, which may include chemical gas reactions.

To achieve these objectives, the capabilities of the required instruments should include simultaneous thermal gravimetric measurement, calorimetry, temperature measurements, and quantification of evaporated vapors. This instrument will consist of two components: thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Given the demanding nature of the distillation process, the TG-DTA will consist of two compartments based on measurement capabilities, test conditions, and precision: TG-DTA1 for TG and TG-DTA, and TG-DTA2 for TG and TG-DSC. Additionally, the GC-MS should be coupled with both compartments of TG-DTA1 and TG-DTA2.

This procurement aims to acquire TGA and DTA systems coupled with GC-MS in FY2026. It will create a vital laboratory platform for NIST, allowing advanced thermal analysis of complex materials linked to semiconductor manufacturing waste streams. This system aligns directly with the mission of the CHIPS Metrology Program, which is to build essential measurement science capabilities that promote critical material recovery, enhance sustainability, and reinforce the resilience of the U.S. semiconductor supply chain.

NIST anticipates procuring the above description and is seeking information from manufacturers capable of meeting the following needs:

Line Item Number: 0001

Description:  TG-DTA coupled with GC-MS

Quantity:  1 set

The Contractor shall deliver one (1) set of TG-DTA with GS-MS that shall meet or exceed the minimum requirements identified below.

1.   General System Configuration and Requirements:

1. 1. The TG-DTA shall consist of two furnaces.
      1. TG-DTA1 shall focus on measuring TG and TG-DTA, with a temperature range of at least 25 ºC to 2000 ºC.
      2. TG-DTA2 shall focus on measuring TG and TG-DSC, with a temperature range of at least 25 ºC to 1600 ºC.
   2. A set of GC-MS and accessories shall be integrated with both TG-DTA1 and TG-DTA2.
   3. The sample sensors of TGA and TG-DTA for TG-DTA1, as well as TGA and TG-DSC for TG-DTA2 shall be interchangeable for the relevant measurement mode.
   4. The temperature variation of the furnaces shall be equal to or less than 0.5 ºC between 300 ºC and 1800 ºC for TG-DTA1, and between 300 ºC and 1500 ºC for TG-DTA2.
   5. The balance resolution of TGA shall be equal to or less than 0.1 µg.
   6. The temperature in the TG-DTA1 chamber shall be controllable to ensure accurate isothermal measurements between 300 ºC and 1700 ºC, and the TG-DTA2 chamber shall be controllable to ensure accurate isothermal measurements between 300 ºC and 1400 ºC.
   7. The pressure in the TG-DTA1 and TG-DTA2 chambers shall be controllable to ensure accurate isobaric measurements between 10 mbar and 1000 mbar of chamber pressure, using an external mechanical pump.
   8. A turbo molecular vacuum pump system shall be integrated to evacuate the sample chambers on both TG-DTA1 and TG-DTA2.
   9. The evacuation vacuum pressure shall be equal to or less than 1.0 x 10-4 mbar within 20 minutes.
   10. TG-DTA1 and TG-DTA2 shall safely transport inert, mixed, or corrosive gases.
   11. A fully computerized system shall be integrated with software to control the systems and acquire and analyze data.
   12. The software shall enable the analysis of the comparative results of TG, DTA, DSC, and GC-MS.
   13. The software shall export all raw and analyzed metadata in Excel, CST, or CSV format.
   14. The TG-DTA system shall have a solution to absorb the vibrations.

2.   Thermal Gravimetry and Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA)

2.1.  TG-DTA1

1. 1. 1. The sample sensors shall be configured to include TGA and TG-DTA.
      2. The maximum temperature of the furnace and sample sensors shall be equal to or higher than 2000 ºC.
      3. The preferred heating elements shall be graphite or tungsten.
      4. The heating element shall be protected up to 2000 ºC, and the protective tube or liner shall be replaceable.
      5. The maximum heating rate shall be equal to or faster than 50 K/min.
      6. The temperature and gas controllers and the power supplier shall be assembled correctly to meet the required specifications.

2.2.  TG-DTA2

1. 1. 1. The configurations of the sample sensors shall be TGA and TG-DSC
      2. The maximum temperature of the furnace and sample sensors shall be equal to or higher than 1600 ºC.
      3. The preferred heating element shall be a silicon-carbide, a platinum, or a platinum-rhodium.
      4. The configuration shall be dedicated to enabling the accurate measurement of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters: e.g., heat capacity and activation energy of thermal events.
      5. The maximum heating rate shall be equal to or faster than 50 K/min.
      6. The temperature and gas controllers and the power supplier shall be assembled correctly to meet the required specifications.

3.   Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

1. 1. GC-MS shall be coupled to evaluate the gases generated by TG-DTA1 and TG-DTA2.
   2. Both TG-DTA1, TG-DTA2, and GC-MS coupling bundles shall include all necessary adaptors for gas transfer, valve controllers, transfer lines, temperature controllers, and a PC.
   3. The inlet of the GC shall be equal to or more than 2 ports.
   4. The temperature range of the GC column oven shall be controllable to at least 300 ºC.
   5. The temperatures of gas transfer lines shall be adjustable by temperature controllers.
   6. The maximum temperature of the gas transfer lines shall be equal to or higher than 300 ºC.
   7. The total gas flow range shall be accurately controllable.
   8. The pressure range shall be equal to or at least 0 to 650 kPa.
   9. The chamber temperature of MS shall be controllable at a minimum of 300 °C.
   10. The range of mass shall be at least 1 u to 1022 u.
   11. The instrument detection limit shall be equal to or less than 5 fg.
   12. The GC-MS shall be controlled, analyzed, and quantified using integrated software.

4.   Turbo Molecular Vacuum Pump for TG-DTA

1. 1. One turbo molecular vacuum pump system shall enable the evacuation of the sample chambers of the two sets of TG-DTA1 and TG-DTA2.
   2. The pumping speed shall be equal to or faster than 30 l/s.
   3. The system shall be composed of a two-stage rotary vane pump.
   4. A valve shall be installed between the turbo pump and the rotary vane pump.
   5. The pressure gauge shall be installed with a wide-range vacuum gauge.
   6. The control device shall display the vacuum pressure and the turbo pump operating status.

5.   Sample Sensors

1. 1. TGA sample sensor 1
      1. The temperature range shall be at least 25 ºC to 2000 ºC.
      2. The temperature shall be measured using a thermocouple capable of withstanding 2000 ºC.
      3. The sample sensor shall be usable under inert, reducing, corrosive, or vacuum conditions.
      4. The sample sensor shall be usable with various volumes of TGA sample crucibles.

1. 1. TGA sample sensor 2
      1. The temperature range shall be at least 25 ºC to 1500 ºC.
      2. The temperature shall be measured using an S-type thermocouple.
      3. The sample sensor shall be usable under inert, reducing, corrosive, or vacuum conditions.
      4. The sample sensor shall be usable with various volumes of TGA sample crucibles.

1. 1. TG-DTA sample sensor
      1. The temperature range shall be at least 25 ºC to 2000 ºC.
      2. The temperature shall be measured using a thermocouple capable of withstanding 2000 ºC.
      3. The sample sensor shall be usable under inert, reducing, corrosive, or vacuum conditions.
      4. The sample sensor shall enable the temperature measurement of the phase transition.

1. 1. TG-DSC sample sensor
      1. The temperature range shall be at least from 25 ºC to 1500 ºC.
      2. The temperature shall be measured using an S-type thermocouple.
      3. The sample carrier shall be usable under inert, reducing, corrosive, or vacuum conditions.
      4. The sample carrier shall enable the accurate measurement of the heat capacity.

6.   Gas Control System for TG-DTA1 and TG-DTA2

1. 1. The gas controller shall include equal to or more than three mass flow controllers and valves.
   2. The sample chamber shall have a minimum of two gas inlet ports.
   3. The flow rate range shall be at least 5 ml/min to 250 ml/min.
   4. The gas control system shall be assembled correctly to ensure compatibility with corrosive gases.
   5. The flow rate shall be digitally readable and controllable.           

7.   Consumables and Accessories

1. 1. TGA crucibles for 2000 ºC (tungsten, 0.3 ml, 10 crucibles)
   2. TGA crucibles and lids for 1500 ºC (alumina, 0.9 ml, 4 sets of crucibles with lids)
   3. TGA reference materials: calcium oxalate, etc.
   4. TG-DTA crucibles and lids (tungsten, 2400 ºC, 0.08 ml; 20 crucibles and 10 lids)
   5. TG-DTA crucibles and lids (alumina, 1500 ºC, 0.3 ml, 100 crucibles and 10 lids)
   6. TG-DSC crucibles and lids (alumina, 1650 ºC, 85 µl, 20 sets of crucibles and lids)
   7. O-ring sets to protect the corrosive gas for the base system, TG-DTA1, and TG-DTA2

NIST is seeking information from sources that may be capable of providing a solution that will achieve the objectives described above.

HOW TO RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE

In responding to this notice, please DO NOT PROVIDE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. Please include only the following information, readable in either Microsoft Word 365, Microsoft Excel 365, or .pdf format, in the response:  Submit the response by email to the Primary Point of Contact and, if specified, to the Secondary Point of Contact listed in this notice as soon as possible, and preferably before the closing date and time of this notice. Please note that to be considered for award under any official solicitation, the entity must be registered and “active” in SAM at the time of solicitation response.

• Provide the complete name of your company, address, name of contact for follow-up questions, their email, their phone number and, if your company has an active registration in https://sam.gov, your company’s Unique Entity ID (UEI).
• Identify the equipment that your company sells that can meet the objectives addressed in the BACKGROUND section of this notice.  For each product recommended to meet the Government’s requirement, provide the following:
  • Manufacturer name
  • Model number
  • Technical specifications
  • If your company is not the manufacturer, provide information on your company’s status as an authorized reseller of the product(s)
• Describe performance capabilities of the product(s) your company recommends to meet the Government’s requirements.  Additionally, if there are other features or functions that you believe would assist NIST in meeting its objectives described above, please discuss in your response.
  • Discuss whether the equipment that your company sells and which you describe in your response to this notice may be customized to specifications and indicate any limits to customization.
• Identify any aspects of the NIST market research notice, including instructions, and draft minimum specifications in the BACKGROUND section you cannot meet and state why.  Please offer suggestions for how the market research notice and draft minimum specifications could be made more competitive.
• State whether the proposed equipment is manufactured in the United States and, if not, state the name of the country where the equipment is manufactured.
• Identify any plans/possibilities for changes in manufacturing location of the aforementioned equipment and provide relevant details, including timeline.
• For the NAICS code listed in this notice:
• • Indicate whether your company is (a) a small business or (b) other than small business.  See the Table of Small Business Size Standards and the associated .pdf download file for small business size standards and additional information.
• • If you believe the NAICS code listed in this notice is not the best NAICS code for the type of product addressed in this notice, identify an alternative NAICS code that you believe would be more appropriate for the planned procurement. 
• Describe services that are available with the purchase of the aforementioned equipment from your company such as installation, training, and equipment maintenance.
• Describe standard terms and conditions of sale offered by your company for the recommended equipment such as: delivery time after your company accepts the order; FOB shipping terms; manufacturer warranty (including details regarding nature and duration); if available, description(s) of available extended warranty; equipment setup and test; operator and service instruction manual(s); cleanup after installation; and if applicable, other offered services.  Provide a copy of manufacturer standard terms and conditions that typically relate to the sale of the specified equipment, if available.
• State whether your company offers facility renovation services related to installation of the recommended equipment at its delivery destination, if required per the NIST-identified minimum specifications, and provide description of said services.  Indicate if your company performs the facility renovation services or typically subcontracts the work to another company.  Indicate if your company would be interested in inspecting the intended installation site during the market research phase.
• State published price, discount, or rebate arrangements for recommended equipment and/or provide link to access company’s published prices for equipment and services. 
• If the recommended equipment and related services are available for purchase on any existing Federal Supply Schedule contract(s) or other contracts against which NIST may be able to place orders, identify the contract number(s) and other relevant information.
• Identify any customers in the public or private sectors to which you provided the recommended or similar equipment.  Include customer(s) information: company name, phone number, point of contact, email address.
• Provide any other information that you believe would be valuable for NIST to know as part of its market research for this requirement.
• State if you require NIST to provide additional information to improve your understanding of the government’s requirement and/or would like to meet with NIST representatives to discuss the requirement and the capabilities of the identified equipment.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS NOTICE

Questions regarding this notice may be submitted via email to the Primary Point of Contact and the Secondary Point of Contact listed in this notice. Questions should be submitted so that they are received 5 calendar days prior to the response date. If the Contracting Officer determines that providing a written amendment to this notice to document question(s) received would benefit other potential respondents, the questions would be anonymized, and a written response to such question(s) would be provided via an amendment to this notice.

IMPORTANT NOTES

This notice is for market research purposes and should not be construed as a commitment by NIST to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. There is no solicitation available at this time.

This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response.

NIST reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate.

Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s capability.

Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotations.

No award will be made as a result of this notice.  

NIST is not responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice.

NIST reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and appropriate.

Thank you for taking the time to submit a response to this request!