Dilution Refrigerator
ID: AMD-SSN-26-002Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

PSC

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES (6640)

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/81c98edf1bf144fdad73c20c5d0cb374/view
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information from industry regarding the procurement of a state-of-the-art dilution refrigerator to support its quantum sensor development and quantum information science research in Boulder, Colorado. The refrigerator must achieve a base temperature of 10 mK or lower, with specific cooling power and minimal vibration, and include advanced features such as automation via Python scripting and a fully automated gas handling system. This opportunity is crucial for enhancing NIST's capabilities in quantum research, and interested parties are invited to submit their responses by December 23, 2025, to Angela Hitt at angela.hitt@nist.gov, with a focus on their qualifications and compliance with relevant regulations.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Angela Hitt
    (303) 497-7305
    angela.hitt@nist.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Dil Ref Sources Sought.docx
    The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a Sources Sought Notice (AMD-SSN-26-002) to gather information from industry regarding the availability of providers for one dilution refrigerator. This request is for market research to determine an acquisition strategy for NIST's quantum sensors development and quantum information science research in Boulder, Colorado. NIST is particularly interested in the capabilities of small and other than small businesses. The anticipated delivery period for the refrigerator is nine months after the order is received. Interested parties are asked to submit responses by December 23, 2025, to angela.hitt@nist.gov. Responses, limited to ten pages, should include company information, suggestions for the draft Statement of Requirements and evaluation factors, standard commercial pricing, details on safety programs, compliance with regulations, experience with specifications, manufacturing location, and capability to provide the refrigerator and access for government personnel. Small businesses should address compliance with FAR clause 52.219-14, and all respondents should indicate any GSA Schedule or other federal contracts. This notice is not a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.
    Statement of Requirements - 2026 dr purchase.docx
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires a state-of-the-art dilution refrigerator to support quantum sensor development and quantum information science research. The system must achieve a base temperature of 10 mK or lower, with cooling power of at least 200 microwatts at 100 mK, and minimal vibration. Key technical specifications include 8 coax lines to base temperature with expansion capability, brackets and DC wiring for specific low-noise amplifiers, 48 twisted DC pairs with future expansion, and X-ray, Gamma ray, and optical fiber access. The refrigerator must have a large sample volume (10-inch diameter sphere), automatic slow pump-out and vent, and be cryogen-free with a cooldown time under 24 hours. Automation via Python scripting is required. A fully automated gas handling system, robust dilution unit construction, and calibrated thermometry with temperature control are also essential. Deliverables include a lab layout design within 3 months and the dilution refrigerator within 9 months. Performance tests and inspections will be conducted at NIST in Boulder, CO, to ensure all specifications are met.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Dilution Refrigerator
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
    Similar Opportunities
    Environmental test chamber
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information from qualified vendors regarding the procurement of an Environmental Test Chamber and a Water Recirculation System as part of a Sources Sought Notice (NIST-SS26-CHIPS-29). The Environmental Test Chamber must meet specific requirements, including a workspace of over 1.5 cubic feet, a temperature range of -35°C to +175°C, and humidity control between 10%-95% RH, among other technical specifications, to support metrology research for semiconductor device manufacturing. This procurement is crucial for evaluating materials used in semiconductor devices, thereby enhancing device reliability and performance. Interested parties should submit their responses, including company information and product specifications, to Junee Johnson at junee.johnson@nist.gov, as this notice is for market research purposes and no solicitation is currently available.
    System upgrades for Magneto-Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy
    Buyer not available
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking sources for system upgrades to its magneto-Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy instrument, which is essential for evaluating 2D and wide band gap materials in the semiconductor industry. The procurement includes a new magnet power supply, a service contract, and compatible components such as low-temperature compatible, long working distance apochromatic objectives, titanium sample holders, and titanium screws for mounting electrical devices. These upgrades are critical for analyzing optical spectroscopy responses under magnetic fields at cryogenic temperatures. Interested vendors should contact Junee Johnson at junee.johnson@nist.gov for further details, as this notice serves market research purposes and does not guarantee a contract award.
    Amended Sources Sought Notice for a Ultra-High Vacuum Sample Backout Chamber
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information from potential providers for an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) sample backout chamber, which is essential for the CHIPS R&D project aimed at testing materials for UHV compatibility in the U.S. semiconductor industry. This Sources Sought Notice is part of market research to inform future procurement strategies and does not constitute a solicitation; NIST is looking for company summaries that include size status under NAICS code 334516 and confirmation of active registration on sam.gov. Responses to this notice, which has been extended to December 12, 2025, should be submitted via email and must not exceed ten pages, with no guarantee of contract award or responses to inquiries regarding market research results. Interested parties can contact Elizabeth Timberlake at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov for further information.
    Closed Cycle Cryostat
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Research Laboratory, is seeking quotations for a Closed Cycle Cryostat system, as part of a total small business set-aside procurement. The requirements include a comprehensive range of components such as a Cryocooler, water-cooled helium compressor, specialized hoses, optical shrouds, and radiation shields, all of which are critical for advanced scientific applications. Interested vendors must ensure that all items are brand name or equivalent, and provide documentation confirming their status as authorized distributors, with a focus on new equipment only. Quotations must be submitted via email to Elizabeth Harley by the specified deadline, and the procurement will follow a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable evaluation process.
    Sources Sought Notice for Continuous Wave Parametric Oscillator (CW OPO) Laser System
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information regarding a Continuous Wave Parametric Oscillator (CW OPO) Laser System to fulfill specific technical requirements. The desired system must include a pump laser, signal and idler laser outputs with defined tunable ranges and power, control electronics compatible with U.S. power and Windows PCs, as well as a high-accuracy wavelength meter and stabilization controls. This procurement is crucial for advancing analytical laboratory capabilities, and interested vendors are encouraged to submit their company details, equipment specifications, and service offerings by email to Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov by October 31, 2022. This notice serves as market research and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.
    Sole Source Justification - Far-Infrared Dual Frequency Comb System
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to procure a Far-Infrared Dual Frequency Comb System through a sole source justification. This procurement aims to acquire specialized laboratory equipment and supplies that are critical for advancing research and development in precision measurement and metrology. The system is essential for various scientific applications, including spectroscopy and telecommunications, where high precision is required. Interested parties can reach out to Daniel Kent at daniel.kent@nist.gov or call 303-497-6533 for further information regarding this opportunity.
    Sources Sought Notice for Mid-IR Optical Frequency Comb
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has issued a Sources Sought Notice for Mid-IR Optical Frequency Comb Systems to support its CHIPS Metrology Program's Grand Challenge 1. NIST requires three systems for applications in broadband spectroscopy, spectral reference databases, and new laser diagnostics in semiconductor processes, along with an additional system to fill a critical gap in long-wave infrared spectroradiometry and molecular spectroscopy for the space, defense, and satellite industries. Interested vendors are invited to provide information regarding their capabilities, including product specifications, customization options, and available services, while ensuring that proprietary information is not disclosed. Responses should be submitted via email to Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov, as NIST seeks to gather market insights to inform future procurement decisions.
    Sources Sought Notice for High Vacuum motorized Stage
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has issued a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential sources for high-vacuum motorized stages. These stages are essential for a new experimental apparatus that will utilize extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) light for non-destructive measurement of computer chip features, requiring nine axes of computerized control within a high-vacuum chamber. Key technical specifications include compatibility with high vacuum conditions, specific electronic components, and detailed performance requirements for both calibration and measurement stages. Interested vendors should submit their company information, product details, and technical specifications to Elizabeth Timberlake at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov or Tracy Retterer at Tracy.retterer@nist.gov, as this notice is for market research purposes only and does not guarantee a contract award.
    BSA RFI-PVD Tool
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Energy, through Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), is seeking information from companies regarding their capabilities to provide a magnetron sputter deposition system for quantum device fabrication. This Request for Information (RFI) outlines the need for a highly flexible, ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) system that can perform both reactive and non-reactive sputtering with precise process control, including specific requirements for components such as a UHV sputtering chamber, integrated vacuum pumping system, and a substrate stage capable of high-temperature heating. The procurement is crucial for advancing quantum technology research, and interested vendors must submit their responses electronically by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on December 24, 2025, to Aaron Hagler at ahagler@bnl.gov, with the subject line “BSA RFI-471842.”
    Sources Sought Notice for a MIR Camera
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has issued a Sources Sought Notice (NIST-SS26-CHIPS-23) to identify potential sources for a mid-infrared camera and associated lenses. This equipment is critical for the Digital Twins for Atomic Layer Deposition Processes Project, which aims to develop and validate digital twin models for atomic layer deposition processes, requiring high sensitivity and rapid imaging capabilities across the mid-infrared spectral region. Interested vendors are requested to provide detailed company information, product specifications, customization capabilities, and pricing by December 15, 2025, to assist in market research for this procurement. For further inquiries, respondents may contact Elizabeth Timberlake at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov or Donald Collie at donald.collie@nist.gov.