Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new Electron Microprobe for the SOEST Electron Microprobe Lab Facility
BACKGROUND
The current existing SOEST Electron Microprobe (EMP) Lab Facility (also known as
EPMA, Electron Probe MicroAnalyzer) has been in service for over 16 years and is
experiencing rapid decline in performance that can no longer support existing and
anticipated projects and/or to fulfill commitments to student training. SOEST is
requesting a brand-new field-emission EMP instrument to replace the current old
instrument. The key applications of the EMP instrument include imaging, analysis, and
mapping of all solid materials such as terrestrial and planetary natural samples and
experimental or synthetic materials with (a) imaging by backscattered electrons (BSE),
secondary electrons (SE), cathodoluminescence (CL), and X-rays; (b) semi- to full-
quantitative energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and full quantitative
wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) analysis; and (c) integrated quantitative
EDS-WDS spot analysis and X-ray mapping. The new EMP instrument will continue
advancing frontiers in volcanology, petrology, geochemistry and cosmochemistry, and
planetary sciences; expand applications to materials sciences, engineering, biologic
sciences, and anthropology; promote undergraduate training in the curricula and research
projects; and increase engagement of students, researchers, and collaborators via
enhanced technical support and remote-user operations.
SCHEDULE OF KEY DATES
The schedule of key dates set forth herein represents the RCUH’s best estimate of the
schedule that will be followed. Any of the dates listed below may be changed at any
time at the sole discretion of the RCUH Procurement Officer or Delegated Procurement
Officer.
| Date of Notice (RFP Issued): |
April 25, 2025 |
Closing Date for Receipt of Offeror’s Attachment A
(Notice of Intent to Submit a Proposal): |
May 2, 2025, at 5 pm HST |
| Closing Date for Receipt of Offeror Questions: |
May 2, 2025, at 5 pm HST |
| Closing Date for Posting Responses to Questions: |
May 7, 2025, at 5 pm HST |
| Closing Date for Receipt of Proposals: |
May 16, 2025, at 5 pm HST |
| Proposal Review Period: |
May 19, 2025 to June 5, 2025 |
| Date of Contractor Selection and Award (tentative): |
June 6, 2025 |
| Services Start Date (Tentative): |
December 1, 2025, or earlier |
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact information is provided in the RFP document (link provided below). Any
question pertaining to the RFP received through our contact information will be posted
and answered on this website.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Notice of Intent to Submit a Proposal and all questions must be received by May 2,
2025, at 5 pm HST. Answers to questions will be posted on this website by May 7, 2025,
at 5 pm HST.
Questions:
(From the Bruker vendor; note that the Bruker EDS system is required to be implemented to the proposed EMP instrument)
Question 1: The AMICS (Automated Mineralogy and Classification Software) is not specifically listed in the RFP document. Are you interested in the AMICS software?
Answer 1: Yes, the AMICS software and other Bruker EDS software are required to be included in the price proposal.
Question 2: Does the Bruker vendor need to submit a bid as a sub-system of the EMP instrument or go through a single proposal?
Answer 2: No. The Bruker vendor does not need to submit a bid or a single proposal. The Bruker EDS system will be a part of the proposed EMP instrument, and its components (the EDS spectrometer, software, training, etc.) shall be integrated into the full EMP proposal by the potential EMP vendor, as described in the RFP document.
THE RFP DOCUMENT
The RFP document can be accessed through the link here. If an Amendment of the RFP
is made, it will be posted on this website with the amendment date.
FILEDROP SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Proposals must be submitted by May 16, 2025, at 5 pm HST via Email or FileDrop. If
the proposal file size is over 25 MB, please submit via the UH FileDrop system:
https://www.hawaii.edu/filedrop/. Instructions for the FileDrop submission can be
viewed through the link here.
