Sources Sought: Magnetic Shield for Dilution Refrigerator
ID: NB672030-25-02142Type: 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

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES MEASURING AND TESTING INSTRUMENTS (6625)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/4e11e2ce99f74388a2a6c60a237b639d/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking information from vendors capable of providing a magnetic shield for a BlueFors Model LD-400 Dilution Refrigerator. The primary requirement is for a cylindrical magnetic shield made from hydrogen-annealed mumetal, with a minimum height of 850 mm, designed to fit within the existing refrigerator model, as detailed in the attached specifications document. This procurement is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency in laboratory settings, emphasizing compliance with specific standards for installation, warranty, and training. Interested businesses are encouraged to submit their capability statements, including company profiles and product specifications, to Clifford Nicholson at clifford.nicholson@nist.gov by the specified deadline, as this opportunity may lead to a competitive procurement process on the System for Award Management (sam.gov) website.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Clifford Nicholson
    (303) 497-5185
    clifford.nicholson@nist.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Specifications.pdf
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Communications Technology Laboratory, specifically the Radio Frequency Technology Division, seeking a magnetic shield for a BlueFors Model LD-400 Dilution Refrigerator. The main requirement is for a cylindrical magnetic shield made from hydrogen-annealed mumetal, measuring at least 850 mm in height, with specific dimensions to fit within the existing refrigerator model. The procurement includes details about the shipping address, delivery criteria, and inspection and acceptance requirements, which need to align with specific standards. Additionally, it addresses installation, warranty, and training considerations, although many areas are marked as Not Applicable (N/A). The document emphasizes the need for thorough vendor engagement to ensure accurate quotes and delivery timelines. It reflects the government’s structured approach to contracting and procurement within the scientific research community, highlighting vital specifications and compliance standards necessary for operational efficiency. This RFP is a critical component in ensuring successful laboratory operations by sourcing specialized equipment while adhering to regulatory guidelines.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Sources Sought: Magnetic Shield for Dilution Refrigerator
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
    Similar Opportunities
    Custom Magneto-resistive Sensors
    Commerce, Department Of
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking responses to a Sources Sought Notice for the fabrication of custom magneto-resistive sensors. These sensors are intended for use in a scanning magnetic microscope being developed for the CHIPS Metrology Project, specifically for acquiring 3D thermal images in semiconductor packages. The procurement requires sensors that meet specific technical specifications, including a frequency range from DC to 100 kHz, field sensitivity parameters, and operational conditions, with a minimum delivery of 100 sensors. Interested parties should respond to the primary contact, Cielo Ibarra, at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov, with their capabilities and relevant experience by the deadline of December 12, 2025, for any questions regarding the notice.
    Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Pump Suppression Module
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to noncompetitively acquire a Pump Suppression Module essential for a new Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) spectrometer as part of its CHIPS project. This module is critical for accurately measuring magnetic materials parameters, which directly supports advancements in magnetic random-access memories (MRAM) and enhances the semiconductor industry's product reliability and performance. The procurement is intended to be fulfilled by Light Machinery, Inc., the only vendor identified that meets the stringent specifications required for the module, including a suppression capability of at least 60 dB and high transmission rates. Interested parties must submit their responses by August 1, 2025, to the primary contact, Cielo Ibarra, at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov.
    Sources Sought Notice for Amplifier
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting a sources sought notice to identify potential sources for an amplifier required for their Absolute Magnetometer system. The amplifier must meet specific technical specifications, including a bandwidth from DC to at least 250 kHz, an output voltage of 0 to 250 VRMS, and a power rating of at least 12 kW, among other requirements. This equipment is critical for the development of standard reference materials for magnetic moment, which are essential for various applications in government, industry, and academia, particularly in the fields of next-generation memory and computing. Interested vendors should submit their responses, including company details and product specifications, to the primary contact, Nina Lin, at nina.lin@nist.gov, by the specified deadline, ensuring they are registered and active in SAM.gov.
    Environmental test chamber
    Commerce, Department Of
    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.
    CHIPS R&D: Extreme Thermal Cycling Chamber– Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking to procure an Extreme Thermal Cycling Chamber to support its CHIPS Metrology program, which focuses on the reliability of materials used in advanced semiconductor packaging. The chamber must meet specific technical requirements, including a temperature range of -100 °C to 200 °C and a cycling rate of at least 70 °C/min, to facilitate accelerated aging experiments on polymeric components. This procurement is critical for enhancing metrology capabilities within the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, and interested vendors are encouraged to respond with their capabilities and relevant information to the primary contact, Tracy Retterer, at tracy.retterer@nist.gov, by the specified deadline.
    49--DEMAGNETIZER
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Logistics Agency, under the Department of Defense, is seeking quotes for the procurement of 21 units of a demagnetizer, identified by NSN 4940017299637. This solicitation is part of a combined synopsis/solicitation process, and the approved source for this item is 3DF34 DE-MM-T-00300. The demagnetizer is crucial for maintenance and repair operations, ensuring the effective functioning of various electronic components. Interested vendors must submit their quotes electronically, as hard copies of the solicitation are not available, and all inquiries should be directed to the buyer via email at DibbsBSM@dla.mil. The deadline for quote submission is set for 101 days after the award date.
    Electrochemical Liquid TEM Holder System with Heating/Cooling - Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking to procure an Electrochemical Liquid TEM Holder System with Heating/Cooling through a combined sources sought notice and notice of intent to sole source. This acquisition is part of the CHIPS R&D Metrology Grant Challenge Project 7.03, aimed at developing thermodynamic datasets and measurement platforms for critical material recovery from microelectronic waste. The system must be compatible with Thermo Fisher Scientific TEMs and X-ray scattering beamlines, featuring integrated electrochemical and temperature control capabilities, along with specific design requirements and comprehensive support services. Interested vendors should contact Nina Lin at nina.lin@nist.gov or Donald Collie at donald.collie@nist.gov for further details, as market research has indicated that Protochips, Inc. is the only capable source for this procurement.
    Atomic Force Microscope for use in a Scanning Electron Microscope
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking sources for a compact Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) intended for use in conjunction with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). This procurement is part of the CHIPS Act initiative aimed at enhancing metrology research and development to support semiconductor manufacturing, with a focus on improving device reliability through advanced measurement technologies. The AFM will facilitate live imaging and analysis of two-dimensional materials, crucial for understanding device performance and failure mechanisms, thereby streamlining the fabrication and optimization processes for next-generation semiconductor devices. Interested vendors should contact Cielo Ibarra at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov and submit their responses by the specified deadlines, ensuring they include relevant company information and capabilities.
    Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Sub-THz VNA Extenders and Amplifier
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking to noncompetitively acquire Sub-THz VNA extenders and a high-power amplifier to support its CHIPS program focused on high-frequency transistor characterization. The procurement includes specific requirements for WR6.5, WR5.1, and WR3.4 VNA waveguide extenders, as well as a D-band waveguide amplifier, all of which are critical for developing a unique microelectronic measurement setup essential for semiconductor testing. This equipment is vital for enhancing measurement capabilities and accelerating the development of next-generation microelectronic devices. Interested vendors must respond by December 23, 2025, with their capabilities and relevant information to the primary contact, Cielo Ibarra, at cielo.ibarra@nist.gov.
    MAGNET ASSEMBLY
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Navy, is soliciting proposals for the procurement of 286 Magnet Assemblies, which are critical components for use on Navy submarines. The contract is set aside for small businesses and requires compliance with stringent quality and inspection standards, including first article testing and adherence to various military specifications. These Magnet Assemblies are essential for the operational integrity of naval vessels, emphasizing the importance of quality and reliability in their manufacture. Interested vendors should contact Sagan Kakkar at 717-605-9121 or via email at sagan.kakkar.civ@us.navy.mil for further details, with proposals due by the extended deadline as specified in the solicitation.