Combined Sources Sought Notice/Notice of Intent to Sole Source for reference material for Total-Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF)
ID: NIST-FY25-CHIPS-0058Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (541380)

PSC

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES (6640)
Timeline
    Description

    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.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is issuing a Combined Sources Sought Notice and a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for reference materials for Total-Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF). NIST plans to award a Sole Source contract to Cerium Laboratories LLC unless other capable sources are identified. The project, part of the CHIPS initiative, aims to develop new Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) essential for semiconductor manufacturing. Specifically, NIST seeks three types of reference materials: TXRF reference materials containing trace Ni and Zn on Si substrates, high-dose shallow boron implants in Si, and hydrogen concentrations in polycrystalline silicon, silicon dioxide, and silicon nitride. Interested companies must provide information regarding their capabilities, products, and services that can fulfill the stated requirements while adhering to U.S. manufacturing standards. Responses must include detailed specifications, potential customization options, and any customer references, ensuring alignment with NIST's objectives. This notice serves as market research and does not constitute a formal solicitations or a commitment to contract. Responses should be comprehensive yet concise, allowing NIST to assess vendor capabilities effectively.
    Similar Opportunities
    Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Inverse Gas Chromatography Instrument for 2D Films and Particulates
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), intends to noncompetitively acquire an inverse gas chromatography instrument for studying 2D films and particulates in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This procurement aims to support the CHIPS Metrology program by enabling the measurement of work of adhesion and surface energy properties of advanced packaging materials used in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly under varying environmental conditions. The selected contractor will provide a specialized instrument that meets detailed technical specifications, including capabilities for organic solvent analysis and humidity control, with the intent to enhance reliability testing of polymeric components. Interested parties capable of meeting these requirements are encouraged to respond to the notice by contacting Nina Lin at nina.lin@nist.gov, as the government will consider responses to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible.
    Sources Sought Notice - Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometer (GDMS)
    Buyer not available
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting a Sources Sought Notice to identify suppliers capable of providing a Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometer (GDMS) for developing high-purity reference materials essential for accurate elemental measurements in semiconductor manufacturing. The GDMS must meet specific functional criteria, including the ability to analyze bulk solids without dissolution, cover a wide range of elements, and offer low detection limits. This initiative is part of NIST's efforts to enhance measurement standards through suitable commercial solutions, and interested vendors are encouraged to submit detailed information about their equipment and capabilities. For inquiries, vendors can contact Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov.
    Array Spectroradiometer
    Buyer not available
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking sources capable of providing an array spectroradiometer, with the intent to potentially issue a Sole Source Award to Gigahertz-Optik, Inc. The required spectroradiometer must meet specific minimum specifications, including a spectral range from 280 nm to 1100 nm, dual detectors, and a compact, weather-proof housing, to support critical calibration tasks in a military laboratory environment. Interested parties are encouraged to respond with their capabilities and qualifications by contacting the primary point of contact, Elizabeth Timberlake, at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov, before the deadline for questions on February 11, 2025. This notice serves as a sources sought notice and does not constitute a request for proposals or quotations.
    Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) Photonic Chips
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking sources for the development and fabrication of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic chips as part of its market research initiative. The procurement involves providing design support, including a comprehensive design manual and process development kit (PDK), as well as the fabrication of seven custom-designed TFLN photonic chips within four months of design finalization. This initiative is crucial for advancing quantum communications and integrated optics technologies, emphasizing NIST's commitment to enhancing optical measurement capabilities. Interested parties must submit their responses, including company details and product specifications, to the primary contact, Collin Randall, by February 7, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET, with responses limited to three pages.
    Sources Sought Notice for Highly Accelerated Stress Test Chamber (HAST)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for a Highly Accelerated Stress Test (HAST) Chamber. This procurement aims to identify potential sources capable of providing a chamber that meets the JESD22A110E standard for accelerated aging experiments, which are critical for studying the long-term reliability of materials used in advanced semiconductor packaging. The HAST Chamber will support the CHIPS Metrology program, which focuses on enhancing metrology capabilities within the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Interested vendors should submit their responses, including technical specifications and company information, to the primary contact, Nina Lin, at nina.lin@nist.gov, by the specified deadline, ensuring they are registered and active in SAM.gov.
    Optical Microscope
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting a sources sought notice for an optical microscope to support its CHIPS Metrology R&D program focused on nondestructive defect detection metrology for semiconductor advanced packaging. The procurement aims to identify potential sources capable of providing an upright optical microscope with specific functionalities, including autofocusing capabilities, motorized turrets, and compatibility with various imaging techniques, to facilitate the characterization of semiconductor defects. This equipment is critical for enhancing the accuracy of X-ray computed tomography defect detection methods. Interested vendors should submit their responses by February 11, 2025, to the primary contact, Elizabeth Timberlake, at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov, and ensure their registration in SAM.gov is active.
    Sources Sought Notice for Extreme Thermal Cycling Chamber
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for an Extreme Thermal Cycling Chamber. This procurement aims to identify potential sources capable of providing a chamber that meets specific requirements for accelerated aging experiments, which are crucial for studying the long-term reliability of materials used in advanced semiconductor packaging. The chamber must accommodate various sample types, including films and wafers, and provide a wide temperature range with rapid thermal cycling capabilities, essential for supporting the CHIPS Metrology program. Interested vendors should submit their responses, including technical specifications and company information, to the primary contact, Nina Lin, at nina.lin@nist.gov, by the specified deadline, ensuring they are registered and active in SAM.gov.
    Gas Analyzer
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting market research to identify potential sources for a Cavity Ringdown Gas Analyzer designed for trace moisture analysis in semiconductor manufacturing environments. The primary objective is to acquire a gas analyzer that can accurately quantify water vapor partial pressure in vacuum lines, with a sensitivity of less than 1 part per billion, to support advanced process control and modeling in high-volume manufacturing. This equipment is critical for ensuring the purity of chemicals used in semiconductor processes, as moisture can lead to impurities and byproducts that affect product quality. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit their capabilities and relevant product information to the primary contact, Elizabeth Timberlake, at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov, by the specified deadline, as this notice is for market research purposes and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract.
    Sources Sought Notice for Standard Laboratory Oven
    Buyer not available
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting a sources sought notice to identify potential sources for a Standard Laboratory Oven required for accelerated aging experiments related to semiconductor packaging materials. The oven must meet specific requirements, including a thermal range of up to 300 °C, the ability to accommodate large sample sizes such as 300 mm wafers, and features like multiple thermocouples and pass-through ports for monitoring. This procurement supports the CHIPS Metrology program, which aims to enhance metrology capabilities within the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Interested vendors should submit their responses, including technical specifications and company information, to the primary contact, Nina Lin, at nina.lin@nist.gov, by the specified deadline, ensuring they are registered and active in SAM.gov.
    High-finesse, dual-wavelength reference cavity system
    Buyer not available
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking potential sources for a high-finesse, dual-wavelength reference cavity system, which is critical for precise thermodynamic temperature measurements. The system must integrate two optical cavities into a single ultra-low expansion (ULE) glass cavity spacer, with specific requirements including a finesse exceeding 100,000 at designated wavelengths and a vacuum housing capable of maintaining pressure below 10^-6 torr. This procurement is essential for advancing measurement standards and ensuring accuracy in scientific research. Interested companies are encouraged to submit their technical capabilities, manufacturing locations, and relevant services to NIST, with responses directed to Elizabeth Timberlake at elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov or Forest Crumpler at forest.crumpler@nist.gov. This notice is for market research purposes only and does not guarantee future contracts.