Metal Finishing Machine
ID: NIST-AMD-F-FTO-SSN-25-12Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring (332813)

PSC

HAND TOOLS, POWER DRIVEN (5130)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to procure a wet metal finishing machine to enhance its engineering and manufacturing capabilities for unique measurement instruments. The machine is required to provide high-precision surface treatments and automate processes such as edge rounding and slag removal, which are crucial for improving operational efficiency and throughput. This procurement is part of NIST's strategy to acquire specialized equipment while promoting participation from small businesses, as indicated by the Total Small Business Set-Aside designation. Interested suppliers must submit their responses, including manufacturing specifications and company details, electronically by March 8, 2024, to Rene D. Edwards at rene.edwards@nist.gov. While this notice does not guarantee a contract award, the information collected will inform future solicitations.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The NIST Fabrication Technology Office (FTO) seeks to procure a wet metal finishing machine to enhance its engineering and manufacturing capabilities for unique measurement instruments. The required machine should provide high-precision surface treatments and automate processes such as edge rounding and slag removal, thus improving operational efficiency and throughput. Key specifications for the machine include wet abrasive belt finishing, multiple head configurations, specific dimensions, and various motor and conveyor capabilities. Interested suppliers must respond with manufacturing specifications, country of origin, company details, and potential barriers to participation in the procurement process. They should also indicate their business size status and any existing Federal Supply Schedule contracts. Responses must be submitted electronically by March 8, 2024, and while the notice does not commit NIST to award a contract, the information gathered will guide future solicitations. This notice exemplifies the government’s approach to acquiring specialized equipment while engaging potential vendors and fostering participation from small businesses in federal contracting.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Metal Finishing Machine
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
    Similar Opportunities
    Precision Polisher
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking sources for a Precision Polisher, a critical piece of laboratory equipment. This procurement aims to enhance analytical capabilities within the laboratory setting, focusing on the manufacturing of high-precision instruments essential for various scientific applications. The opportunity is set to take place in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and interested vendors can reach out to Cielo Ibarra at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov for further details. This is a Sources Sought notice, indicating that the agency is gathering information to inform future procurement strategies.
    Ferrovac UHV Wobble Sticks
    Buyer not available
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking proposals from small businesses for the procurement of Ferrovac ultra-high vacuum (UHV) wobble sticks, essential for positioning samples and probes in its scanning probe microscopy labs. The procurement specifically requests two models of dual shaft manipulators, one with a 250 mm travel length and another with a 150 mm travel length, totaling four units, all of which must be compatible with existing laboratory equipment. Proposals must be submitted electronically by 11:00 AM Eastern Time on March 5, 2025, and will be evaluated based on technical capability and pricing, with awards going to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offer. Interested vendors can contact Joni L. Laster at joni.laster@nist.gov or 301-975-6205 for further information.
    Bronze Drive nuts
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking quotations for the fabrication of four bronze drive nuts to repair a malfunctioning deadweight machine. This procurement is set aside for small businesses under NAICS code 332722, and it emphasizes the need for technical quotations that demonstrate compliance with specified criteria, alongside separate price quotations for the items. The drive nuts are critical components for maintaining the operational integrity of the 300 klbf Dead Weight Machine Compression Plate, and the contractor must adhere to specific SAE and thread standards during fabrication. Interested parties should direct questions to Junee Johnson at junee.johnson@nist.gov, with all bids due by March 5, 2025, as the evaluation will focus on technical capability and pricing to ensure the lowest priced, technically acceptable quotation is awarded.
    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.
    Optical Table
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking quotations for the procurement of a 60" x 72" x 12" optical table to support semiconductor research under the Chips Act. This optical table will be utilized with a Super High Resolution Darkfield Scattering-Confocal Raman Microscope, which is crucial for detecting nanoparticles at low concentrations, thereby addressing global semiconductor supply chain challenges. The contractor is required to deliver the optical table, including shipping, installation, and a one-year warranty, within 60 days of order, with installation to include unpacking, setup, and demonstration. Interested vendors must submit their quotations by March 4, 2025, and direct inquiries to Jenna Bortner at jenna.bortner@nist.gov or Donald Collie at donald.collie@nist.gov, ensuring compliance with all outlined specifications and federal regulations.
    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.
    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.
    SS25-14 Industrial Shredder Maintenance & Repair Services
    Buyer not available
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking qualified contractors to provide maintenance and repair services for its Komar Hard Drive Shredder and Komar Auger Compactor located at the Gaithersburg, Maryland campus. The procurement aims to identify contractors capable of delivering preventive and corrective maintenance, emergency response, and parts supply, which are essential for secure and compliant waste disposal operations. This Sources Sought Notice emphasizes NIST's commitment to efficient operations and regulatory adherence while engaging with potential service providers in the market. Interested parties must submit their responses by March 7, 2025, to Tony Schmidt at tony.schmidt@nist.gov, and should note that this notice is for planning purposes only and does not guarantee future contract opportunities.
    Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Rugged Tunable Narrow Linewidth Laser Systems
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information regarding the procurement of rugged tunable narrow linewidth laser systems. This opportunity is categorized as a Sources Sought notice, indicating the agency's intent to identify potential sources capable of fulfilling the requirements for these specialized laser systems, which are critical for various analytical applications. The procurement is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of laboratory equipment and supplies, particularly in the field of analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Nina Lin at nina.lin@nist.gov or Tracy Retterer at Tracy.retterer@nist.gov for further details regarding this opportunity.
    Holographic Particle Analyzer
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is planning to negotiate a sole-source procurement for a Holographic Particle Analyzer from Spheryx, Inc., based in New York, NY. This specialized instrument is crucial for NIST’s Bioprocess Measurement Group, which is dedicated to characterizing particle sizes and concentrations in biotherapeutics, providing comprehensive measurements of particle size and index of refraction. The xSight Particle Analyzer, capable of measuring particles in a dynamic size range of 500 nm to 10 µm, significantly enhances particle measurement capabilities in biomanufacturing and particle metrology. Interested parties that can meet the requirements may submit responses until March 7, 2025, and should contact Tish Walker at latish.walker@nist.gov for further information.