Purchase of eleven (11) Electrometer/High-Resistance Meters and Accessories (Keithley 6517B or Equivalent)

The National Research Council Canada (NRC) requires to purchase eleven (11) Electrometer/High-Resistance Meters and Accessories (Keithley 6517B, or equivalent).

The equipment is used continuously in applications where low-current and high-resistance measurements require exceptional signal-to-noise performance, stability, leakage control, guarding, triaxial connectivity, and measurement repeatability. METRO operates under a rigorous quality system and maintains measurement standards that must be demonstrably traceable, reliable, and internationally recognized. The existing Keithley-based measurement platform has been fully integrated into validated measurement systems, software applications, automation scripts, operating procedures, and technical documentation. Maintaining the same instrument platform supports compatibility with internationally accepted metrology practices and helps ensure continuity and comparability of measurement results used to support national measurement standards and regulatory obligations.

The use of an equivalent manufacturer's instrument would require extensive technical evaluation and verification before it could be incorporated into operational measurement systems. This work would include performance testing, comparison studies, revalidation of measurement methods, review and potential revisions, updates to quality-system documentation, modifications to software drivers and automation scripts, and assessment of impacts on established laboratory procedures. In addition, evaluation of a competing instrument would likely require acquisition of a demonstration unit and could result in disruptions to ongoing operations, delays to standards-maintenance activities, and potential interruptions to services provided to clients.