Supply and Install of a Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (ToF-SIMS

Suppliers can find the complete tender document(s), at no cost, on: https://uwo.bonfirehub.ca.

Procuring Entity:
University of Western Ontario (Western)
Procurement Services
1151 Richmond Street
London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K7

Contact:
Erica Watson ewatso25@uwo.ca

Procurement Method:
Open tender whereby all interested Suppliers may submit a Proposal.

Description:
The RFP is an invitation to submit offers for the provision of The Supply and Install of a Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (ToF-SIMS), as further described herein.

Surface Science Western (SSW) at Western University currently operates an ION-TOF GmbH Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF-SIMS) model IV, which has one of the most active user bases at SSW, spanning both academic and industrial research. The proposed instrument would replace the aging ION-TOF IV (1999) as the state-of-the-art research grade instrument in Canada and will significantly enhance SSW’s capabilities for high-resolution chemical imaging, precise molecular surface characterization, and detection of trace species, complementing existing techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy.

ToF-SIMS enables both routine and advanced surface chemical analyses and speciation capabilities with sub-micron spatial resolution and mass resolution, as well as low ppm-ppb detection limits. The system features small-scale imaging, in-situ depth profiling using gas cluster ion sources, 2D and 3D chemical mapping, and the ability to analyze both inorganic and organic species with high sensitivity. Additional capabilities of the proposed instrument include charge compensation and excellent lateral and depth resolution (50 nm and 1 nm, respectively).

As a core technique for surface-sensitive chemical and molecular analysis, the new ToF-SIMS instrument will be applied across a broad range of materials and research disciplines, including hydrogen degradation mechanisms, biomaterials, advanced energy materials, semiconductors, critical minerals and geoscience, polymer science, corrosion science, and other advanced manufacturing. The foremost area of research will be hydrogen systems and the detection of hydrogen to understand the location and co-location (with defects, impurities, inclusions) of hydrogen in various experimental tests. The applications of ToF-SIMS to mapping steel microstructure, investigating coating systems designed to reduce hydrogen-promoted degradation, and investigation of corrosion and oxidation processes are of particular interest.

ToF-SIMS supports both fundamental research and industrial problem-solving at SSW, providing unique insights into surface composition, contamination, interfaces, and chemical heterogeneity at the micro- and nanoscale. The new ToF-SIMS instrument will be unique to Canada and an essential tool supporting the proposed hydrogen analysis platform.

Budget:
The estimated budget for this project is CAD $5,469,075 plus HST.

Estimated Quantities:
Available within the tender document

Submission Details:
All tender submissions must be uploaded electronically at https://uwo.bonfirehub.ca.

Submission Deadline:
July 7, 2026 at 12:00PM (noon) ET

Public Opening:
Not Applicable

Conditions for Participation:
Available within the tender document(s).

Mandatory Submission Requirements:
 

1. Appendix B- Submission Form
2. Appendix C- Rate Bid Form
3. Appendix D- Reference Form
4. Appendix E- Deliverables and Technical Requirements Questionnaire
5. Appendix F and Sustainability Supporting Documentation

Complete submission requirements are provided within the tender document(s).


Scored Submission Requirements:
 

1. Mandatory Requirements
2. Experience, Qualifications and References
3. Technical and Functional Requirements
4. Service and Support
5. Value- Added Ideas
6. Sustainability
7. Accessibility (AODA)
8. Pricing
9. Presentation (short-listed Suppliers only)

This procurement is covered by Chapter 5 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).

This procurement is covered by Chapter 19 of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).

Delivery Date:
Fall 2026

Duration of Agreement:
Upon receipt of equipment and satisfaction of obligations as set out in the Agreement.

Additional Options:
Available in the tender document(s)

Negotiation:
At the end of the evaluation process, Western may identify one or more Suppliers with whom it wishes to enter into negotiations, by written notification.  See tender document(s) for further detail.

Prequalification:
Not Applicable

Responses must be submitted in English.

Suppliers should note that information contained within this Tender Notice is subject to change.  Suppliers are encouraged to download the tender document(s) which contain the most current information.
 
If there is a conflict between the tender document(s) and this Tender Notice, the tender document(s) will take precedence.

 

Bidding and Documents are available on http://www.merx.com. Fees may apply; See https://www.merx.com/public/pricing for more information.