The U.S. Geological Survey, Volcano Science Center in Menlo Park, CA (USGS) recently purchased a Tescan VEGA3 LMU scanning electron microscope (SEM) and now needs to purchase a panchromatic cathodoluminescence detector (CL detector). A CL detector has become a standard accessory for many SEMs with applications in the geological sciences. A CL detector can provide general information on the trace elements contained in minerals or the production of mechanically induced defects in the crystals. Perhaps more importantly for the geologic context, the distribution of the CL in a material gives fundamental insights into such processes as crystal growth, replacement, deformation and provenance. These applications include: investigations of cementation and diagenesis processes in sedimentary rocks; provenance of clastic material in sedimentary and metasedimentary rocks; details of internal structures of fossils; growth/dissolution features in igneous and metamorphic minerals; deformation mechanisms in metamorphic rocks; discrimination of different generations of the same mineral as a result of differences in trace amounts of activator elements.
The USGS requires a CL detector with an extended spectral range of 185 - 850 nm that is fully-compatible with our existing Tescan VEGA3 LMU SEM. Full specifications and evaluation criteria will be released with the request for quotations (RFQ). The RFQ will be unrestricted in accordance with the procedures of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Parts 12 (acquisition of commercial items) and 13 (simplified acquisition procedures). The applicable product/service code is 6650, "optical instruments, test equipment, components, and accessories." The applicable NAICS code is 334516, "analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing," with corresponding size standard 500 employees. We anticipate the RFQ will be available the week of 01 December 2014.
Please direct any questions or concerns to the Contracting Officer, Jeff Caravelli, via email at [email protected].

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