Library of Congress - XRF Instrument

The Library of Congress (LC), Conservation Division (CD) requires an instrument to analyze the elemental composition of cultural heritage artifacts and materials that CD staff assess and treat as part of the long-term preservation of Library collections. To perform such analyses, CD seeks to acquire an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analytical instrument and diagnostic tool that has the portability and flexibility to operate on the many varied shapes and sizes of objects within the Library's collections.

Identifying the chemical makeup of media on paper, parchment, leather, photographs, metal and wooden objects, and paintings is a critical part of CD's mission, as it informs future treatment choices and preservation protocols. This information will be used for a number of preservation activities including artifact characterization in support of examinations and treatments, and the assessment of possible hazardous materials.

The XRF requirement includes all parts, equipment and software to meet specified parameters, installation, user training, shipping, and 1 year of warranty support. Responses are due by 05/31/2024 at 12:00 PM EST.