Background and Purpose
McMaster University and the Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM), have a requirement for one (1) cryogenic micromanipulator for focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). The CCEM is the national facility for electron microscopy and is committed to provide its user base with accessible specialized electron microscopy services, one of which is access to workflows for sample preparation and analysis of materials under cryogenic conditions. Working with temperature and beam-sensitive materials which are not stable at room temperature requires a suite of dedicated equipment which can maintain cryogenic conditions at every stage.
Sample preparation for advanced microanalysis methods such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT) is often conducted via FIB-SEM for the combination of sample quality and site-specificity it offers. FIB-SEM sample preparation using so-called “ex situ liftout” methods requires use of a micromanipulator in order to extract the region of interest from the bulk material. Such micromanipulators must be stable and capable of precise movements at sub-micron length scales. For samples that need to remain at cryogenic conditions for stability and processing, the micromanipulator itself must also be capable of cryogenic cooling at the gripper tips, as to not heat the sample during extraction.
Kleindiek Nanotechnik is a well-established leader in the design and manufacture of microelectronics which can operate within FIB-SEM systems. The Kleindiek cryo liftout system with MM3E micromanipulator can deliver on the capabilities required by CCEM, and has proven compatibility with the existing microscope and cryo systems of the CCEM.
The purpose of this Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) is to signal McMaster University’s intention to award a contract for the above-noted goods and/or services to the following pre-selected supplier, who are the sole Canadian reseller and distributor for Kleindiek Nanotechnik systems:
Edge Scientific
1431 Merivale Rd.
Ottawa, ON
K2E 0B9
Canada
Website: https://edgescientific.com/
Prior to awarding this contract, McMaster University is providing other potential suppliers with the opportunity to demonstrate that they are capable of satisfying the requirements as per this ACAN, by submitting a Statement of Capabilities Form during the posting period.
If other potential suppliers submit a Statement of Capabilities Form that meet McMaster University’s requirements as set out in the ACAN, McMaster University may proceed to a competitive procurement process.
If no other supplier submits a Statement of Capabilities Form on or before the closing date/time, a contract may be awarded to the above-noted pre-selected supplier.
