Sources Sought for Comprehensive service coverage of a Bruker Avance III 400 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer (NMR).

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Service Contract for NMR Spectrometer & Related Equipment

23 March 2026

C.1 Background

Comprehensive service coverage is required to ensure continuous, uninterrupted operation of the Bruker Avance III 400 Megahertz (MHz) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer (NMR), in service at the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate of the Army Research Lab (ARL), Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD. The system is equipped with broadband probes and ancillary hardware and electronics to permit acquisition of both liquids and solid samples (i.e. magic-angle spinning, or MAS). 

C.2 Objective

The NMR system is used daily by a wide variety of programs and projects, primarily to assess the outcomes of material or chemical synthesis efforts. With multiple users on any given day, a period without access to the NMR would hinder multiple research programs. A service plan is required to ensure the continued operation of the NMR, to ensure timely performance of routine maintenance, to ensure timely completion of cryogen fills, and to ensure proper function of both the liquids and solids probes. 

C.3 Requirement

The respondent shall provide service and maintenance coverage of the indicated NMR system, (Serial Number # 10215255), and all associated hardware, electronics, accessories, and probes. 

C.3.1: The contractor shall provide routine maintenance of NMR magnet, electronics, accessories,       probes, and other related items; replace consumables such as filters at recommended                           intervals. This includes at least one performance maintenance (PM) visit each year of coverage.

C.3.2: The contractor shall provide a technician or engineer to assist with liquid cryogen (liquid He) fills as necessary, defined as liquid He level at 50% or less. A typical fill interval is every ~4.5 months, meaning that up to three (3) fills may be required in any contract term. ARL is responsible for providing the cryogen. Weekly fills of liquid nitrogen are to be handled by ARL staff.

C.3.3: The contractor shall be responsible for re-energization and setup of magnets in case of a                       quench event.

C.3.4: The contractor shall provide on-site (APG) diagnostics and instrument service in case of performance degradation or component failure.  Remedies may include component repair/refurbishment or component replacement as needed.

C.3.5: The contractor shall provide service for probes, when necessary, either on-site (APG) or at the provider’s facility.

C.4 AT-OPSEC Requirements

C.4.1: Access and general protection/security policy and procedures. This standard language is for contractor employees with an area of performance within Army controlled installation, facility, or area. Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204.9, Personal Identify Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DoD, HQA and/or local policy. In addition to the installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

C.4.2:   For contractors that DO NOT require CAC but require access to a DoD facility or installation. Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) and Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05/AR 190-13), applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local Security policies and procedures (provided by Government Representative), or, at OCONUS locations, in accordance with status of forces agreements and other theater regulations.

C.5 Distribution Statement

C.5.1: Determination of Contract Submission Documents: DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

C.5.2: Determination of Information Generated from the Performance of the Contract: DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

C.6 Period of Performance (PoP)

The Government intends to award a contract with one (1) base year plus two (2) additional option years for a total PoP of three years. The Contractor shall perform and comply with the full scope of this PWS for the option years if exercised.

C.7 Place of Performance

The service and maintenance coverage to be provided under this contract shall be accomplished at:

Army Research Laboratory

6300 Rodman Road, Building 4600

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

21005