SNSPD Detector System Upgrade

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), managed by Fermi Forward Discovery Group (FFDG) for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) #381413-GMG for a SNSPD Detector System Upgrade. The RFP seeks a subcontractor to provide a firm fixed price for four superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPD) with specific technical requirements, along with a controllable solenoid vacuum valve, vacuum pump, and control electronics for cryostat automation. All items must be integrated into an existing Quantum Opus One Cryostat enclosure. This is a Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection, with award going to the responsible supplier offering a technically acceptable proposal and the lowest evaluated price. Proposals are due by May 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM CT, and must include a completed RFP page with pricing, and completed SARC and PUR-466 certifications. Contractual questions should be directed to Graciela M. Gomez.

The Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC (FFDG) General Terms and Conditions for Commercial Products or Services (08/2025) outlines the contractual framework for subcontracts with FFDG, acting as operator of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory under a DOE Prime Contract. This document defines key terms, the scope of subcontracts, and establishes the Subcontractor as an independent entity. It details provisions for payment, inspection, licenses, changes, indemnification, warranty, and liability. The terms also cover intellectual property rights, security, environmental, safety, and health (ES&H) requirements, and procedures for disputes, including step negotiations, mediation, and binding arbitration. Notably, it incorporates numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) clauses, with specific applicability thresholds based on subcontract value, ensuring compliance with federal mandates for areas such as whistleblower protection, computer security, sustainable acquisition, and prohibitions on certain foreign-sourced technology. Special attention is given to site access restrictions for foreign nationals and compliance with various federal regulations.

This document, PUR-466 Revision 5, outlines the required certifications for proposals submitted to the Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC (FFDG), relevant to federal government RFPs. It details three main certifications based on dollar value: Certifications #1 (≥ $10,000) covers Export/Import Control and Buy American—Construction Materials, providing definitions, domestic preference requirements, and waiver request procedures. Certifications #2 (≥ $150,000) includes Independent Price Determination, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions, Responsibility Matters, Employment Reports on Veterans, and Anti-Kickback Procedures. Certifications #3 (≥ $550,000) addresses Combatting Trafficking in Persons and requires a compliance plan certification if work is performed outside the U.S. and not entirely COTS items. Offerors must complete applicable sections, providing contact information, item classifications, and various declarations to ensure compliance with federal acquisition regulations and FFDG's terms.

The Subcontractor Annual Representations & Certifications (SARC) form is a crucial document for entities seeking to subcontract with Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC (FermiForward) on U.S. Government contracts. It requires offerors to provide detailed information across several key areas: entity ownership and operational structure, business category (e.g., small, large, foreign business, and various diversity classifications), executive compensation details for reporting purposes, and certifications regarding offeror responsibility. The form also includes specific certifications related to export/import control laws, limitations on pass-through charges, and compliance with the Employment Eligibility Verification (E-Verify) program. By signing, offerors certify the accuracy of the provided information, commit to compliance with U.S. Government contracting programs, and agree to promptly notify FermiForward of any changes in their status. This ensures transparency, accountability, and adherence to federal regulations for all subcontractors.