Gas Free, Solvent Free Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry Source

ACTION CODE: SPECIAL NOTICE 

SUBJECT: Gas Free, Solvent Free Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry Source to Couple to Existing Mass Spectrometers 

SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB643050-23-00716 RESPONSE DATE: 

DESCRIPTION: 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s, Surface and Trace Chemical Analysis Group (STCAG) of the Materials Measurement Science Division of the Materials Measurement Laboratory (MML) has significant research efforts in the fields of forensic science and homeland security. One of the major foci of these efforts surrounds research and development into portable, transportable, and fieldable detection technologies, primarily focused on mass spectrometric platforms. Within this space, the primary research focus of STCAG is on the sampling and ionization of samples of interest. For fieldable applications, the use of solvents, gases, or other bulky consumables or sources for sampling or ionization are not desired for practical reasons. Therefore, the STCAG is currently interested in procuring an ambient ionization source that is gas free, solvent free, does not contain a radioactive source, and can be coupled with existing mass spectrometers. 

Sole Source justification is based on the following: 

Plasmion is the only vendor capable of providing a gas free and solvent free ambiention ionization mass spectrometry source that can be directly coupled to existing mass spectrometry systems currently owned by NIST. The ambient ionization source that is being sought in this procurement is required to support ongoing research aimed at in-field analysis and detection of trace explosives and drugs with both a ThermoFisher TSQ Quantis and a JEOL AccuTOF mass spectrometer. Given the operational constraints of these environments it is required that the ambient ionization source not require the use of solvent or auxiliary gasses and have a small footprint. After an extensive searching in the literature and on the internet, and after conversations with multiple academics, vendors, and other scientists, it was identified that the Plasmion source is the only ambient ionization source that is provides gas free and solvent free operation and has a small overall footprint. Additionally, this ambient ionization source can be interfaced to our existing mass spectrometers, removing the need to procure additional instrumentation that is much more expensive than the ionization source itself. Plasmion is a non-SAM registered, foreign Contractor with a single authorized reseller for US distribution. The name of this reseller and intended sole source for this procurement is Mass Tech Inc of Columbia MD. Plasmion is a non-SAM registered, foreign Contractor with a single authorized reseller for US distribution. The name of this reseller and intended sole source for this procurement is Mass Tech Inc of Columbia MD. 

NAICS code for this requirement will be 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a small business size of 1000 employees. 

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 3/2/2023 will be considered by the Government. 

Inquiry POCs 

Erik.Fycklund@nist.gov Primary Donald.Graham@nist.gov Secondary 

National Institutes of Standards and Technologies NIST Acquisition Management Division (AMD) 

100 Bureau Dr.  Mail Stop 1640