Sources Sought Notice -Thermocouple scanning module compatible with an environmental Vero AFM (Oxford Instruments Asylum Research)
ID: NIST-FY25-CHIPS-0072Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGYDEPT OF COMMERCE NISTGAITHERSBURG, MD, 20899, USA

PSC

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES (6640)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking information from vendors regarding a thermocouple scanning module compatible with its Vero Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). This module is crucial for accurately measuring temperature variations at nanoscale and microscale levels in semiconductor materials under various environmental conditions, requiring specific functionalities such as wear-resistant probes and the ability to measure temperatures up to 500°C. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit detailed responses that include company information, technical specifications, performance capabilities, and any limitations in meeting NIST's requirements. Responses will be used for market research purposes and do not guarantee a solicitation or contract award; interested parties should contact Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issued a Sources Sought Notice to identify commercial products/services for a thermocouple scanning module compatible with its Vero Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). This technology is essential for accurately measuring temperature variations at nanoscale/microscale levels in semiconductor materials during environmental conditions. NIST requires the module to operate independently of the Vero AFM and to provide specific functionalities, including wear-resistant probes, adaptability for environmental conditions, capability for temperature measurement up to 500°C, and comprehensive data collection methods. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit detailed responses, including company information, technical specifications of their products, performance capabilities, and any limitations they may encounter in meeting NIST's requirements. They should also specify the manufacturing location of their equipment, whether they are a small business, and if they offer additional services such as installation or maintenance. The notice emphasizes that the responses will be used for market research and do not guarantee a solicitation or contract award, urging comprehensive and detailed submissions to aid the government's assessment.
    Similar Opportunities
    QCL Module
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to acquire a THz Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) Module to enhance its measurement capabilities in research involving carbon nanotube coatings. The QCL Module must meet specific technical specifications, including an output frequency of approximately 4.8 THz and a continuous wave power of at least 2 mW, and it should be compatible with an existing system. This procurement is crucial for advancing scientific research and calibration activities at NIST, ensuring high standards in measurement science and technology. Interested vendors should contact Angela Hitt at angela.hitt@nist.gov or call 303-497-7305, with delivery required within 14 weeks after order acknowledgment and payment contingent upon successful completion of performance tests.
    Beamline 7 Monochromator
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information from vendors regarding the procurement of a new Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) monochromator for its Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF III) located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The monochromator is intended to enhance metrology services by operating effectively within the 6 nm to 35 nm wavelength range, with specific requirements for installation under ultrahigh vacuum conditions and performance metrics such as minimum resolving power and adjustable exit slits. This initiative underscores NIST's commitment to advancing metrology capabilities that meet the needs of industry, academia, and government, while ensuring compliance with safety standards related to radiation exposure. Interested vendors should contact Elizabeth Timberlake at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov for further details and are encouraged to submit their responses in accordance with the outlined guidelines.
    Sources Sought Notice for Laser and Optical Parametric Amplifiers for Multiphoton Microscopy
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking sources for laser and optical parametric amplifiers intended for multiphoton microscopy applications. This procurement aims to enhance the capabilities of analytical laboratory instruments, which are crucial for advanced scientific research and development. The goods sought will play a significant role in improving imaging techniques and data acquisition in various fields, including biology and materials science. Interested vendors should reach out to Tracy Retterer at tracy.retterer@nist.gov or Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov for further details regarding this opportunity.
    1K Helium-4 sorption cooler
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking qualified vendors to provide a 1K helium-4 sorption cooler for its Physical Measurement Laboratory's Faint Photonics Group. The cooler must achieve a cooling capacity of at least 250µW at 1K for a duration of 24 hours, feature a closed-cycle system that operates without additional cryogens, and have a diameter of under 100mm, with a total of three units required. This procurement is critical for advancing research in superconducting-nanowire single photon detectors, and delivery is expected within eight weeks of order placement, with a government acceptance period of 21 business days following installation. Interested vendors should submit their quotations, including technical documentation and pricing, to the primary contact, de Ionne Jones, at deionne.jones@nist.gov.
    Sources Sought Notice for EUV Reflectometer for SURF III
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking sources for an EUV Reflectometer intended for use in laboratory settings at their facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This procurement aims to acquire advanced measurement instruments that will enhance precision in scientific research, focusing on specific sample orientations and detector functionalities as outlined in the associated schematic figures. The reflectometer will play a crucial role in capturing data essential for various experimental needs, emphasizing the importance of detailed engineering specifications. Interested vendors can reach out to Jenna Bortner at jenna.bortner@nist.gov or Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov for further information regarding this opportunity.
    Combined Sources Sought Notice/Notice of Intent to Sole Source for reference material for Total-Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is issuing a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for reference materials related to Total-Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF). NIST aims to develop new Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) crucial for semiconductor manufacturing, specifically seeking TXRF reference materials containing trace amounts of Ni and Zn on silicon substrates, high-dose shallow boron implants in silicon, and hydrogen concentrations in various silicon compounds. This initiative is part of the CHIPS program, emphasizing the importance of these materials in ensuring quality and consistency in semiconductor production. Interested vendors should submit their capabilities, product specifications, and customer references to Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov, as responses will inform NIST's market research and potential sole source contract with Cerium Laboratories LLC.
    Micro specimens of thin film electroplated copper and micro-sized lead-free solder for mechanical testing to fracture
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking a research and development partner to fabricate micro-sized specimens of electroplated copper and lead-free solder for mechanical testing. The objective is to develop metrology for measuring micromechanical properties to fracture, addressing the current lack of reliable data due to discrepancies in size scale and microstructure. These materials are crucial for advanced packaging interconnect technologies, particularly in heterogeneous integration. Interested parties should contact Cielo Ibarra at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov to express their qualifications and capabilities, as this notice serves as a precursor to a potential solicitation for future procurements, without any commitment from NIST to issue a contract.
    Environmental Transmission Electron Microscope Services
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is planning to negotiate a sole source contract for Environmental Transmission Electron Microscope (ETEM) services. The procurement aims to secure maintenance and service for a Titan 80-300 kV ETEM, which is critical for conducting specialized preventative maintenance and emergency repairs necessary for analyzing nanoscale materials under reactive conditions. Thermo Fisher Scientific, the manufacturer, is the only entity authorized to provide these services in North America, emphasizing the importance of having factory-trained personnel for such specialized equipment. Interested parties capable of meeting these requirements are invited to respond by 11:00 AM EST on March 15, 2025, with the contract being a Firm-Fixed Price purchase order under NAICS Code 811210, which has a size standard of $34 million. For further inquiries, interested vendors can contact Tish Walker at latish.walker@nist.gov.
    Optical Fiber Automation Equipment
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking sources for the procurement of Optical Fiber Automation Equipment. This equipment is essential for enhancing analytical laboratory capabilities, particularly in the field of analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing. The successful procurement will support NIST's mission to advance measurement science and technology, which is critical for various applications in research and industry. Interested vendors should reach out to Matthew Delgado at matthew.delgado@nist.gov for further details regarding this opportunity.
    CHIPS Enclosure
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking qualified contractors to provide laboratory equipment as part of its CHIPS program, which focuses on developing permittivity measurement standards. The procurement includes the delivery and installation of two metric optical tables, two imperial laminar flow enclosures, acrylic panels, thermoelectric chillers, and additional optical tables and frames, all of which are critical for enhancing microwave materials research. Interested offerors must submit a firm-fixed-price quotation by March 14, 2025, including a technical proposal and past performance documentation, with evaluations prioritizing technical capability over price. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Tracy Retterer at tracy.retterer@nist.gov or Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov.