Sources Sought Optical Access Dilution Refrigerator
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research for an Optical Access Dilution Refrigerator to support a potential commercial product purchase, with sources sought responses due by July 17, 2026. This is not a Request for Proposals or Quotation; NIST will use the results to determine acquisition method and eligibility for small business set-asides. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified that meet specifications, the subsequent solicitation will be set aside for small business.
The cryogenic system will be located at NIST-Boulder, Mail Stop 686.04, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305. NIST requires an established commercial product—new, not refurbished—capable of cooling superconductive circuits, optical quantum dots, and acoustical resonators below 15 millikelvin with free-space optical access. The system must be cryogen-free post-delivery with a pulse tube cooler delivering greater than 1.3 watts cooling power at 4.2 kelvin and demonstrated cooling power exceeding 250 microwatts at 100 millikelvin. The mixing chamber must provide an experimental volume larger than 250 millimeters in height and greater than 125 millimeters in diameter. Technical specifications include a water-cooled compressor with flexible lines at least five meters long, no oil-based pumps in the helium-circulation path, automated cooldown software achieving full temperature in 24 hours without a magnet and 15 hours when fully wired, and specialized microwave and DC wiring with low-noise amplification capability. Optional upgrades include a superconducting vector magnet and cryogenic circulators. The manufacturer must provide on-site installation, training, and a one-year warranty, with delivery expected six months after order.
Respondents must indicate the country of manufacture. NIST will post a formal solicitation on sam.gov following market research analysis.
NB686100-26-02139 Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology
7/7/26, 4:56 PM Optical Access Dilution Refrigerator
The National Institute of Standards and Technology seeks quotations for one optical access dilution refrigerator and optional upgrades, with quotations due August 11 and solicitation number NB686100-26-02139. This is an RFQ for commercial items with no set-aside; funds are not presently available and award will not be made until funding is secured.
Place of performance is Boulder, Colorado. The refrigerator must cool superconductive circuits, optical quantum dots, and acoustical resonators to temperatures below 15 millikelvin, with a cryogen-free pulse tube cooler delivering greater than 1.3 W cooling power at 4.2 K and capable of cooling from 300 K to base temperature within 24 hours. The system must maintain cooling power greater than 300 microwatts at 100 mK when fully loaded and operate continuously between 1 K and 30 K. Required wiring includes at least five 18 GHz bandwidth microwave coaxial input lines with user-specified attenuation, at least two 18 GHz output lines with minimal attenuation using specified cable types, 24 resistive phosphor bronze DC wires in single loom with 25-pin microD connector termination, and low-resistance DC wiring for three cryogenic nanopositioners. The system must be an established commercial product with at least one unit operating successfully in the field, new with manufacturer's full warranty, and tested by the manufacturer prior to shipment. Three optional line items are available: a superconducting vector magnet generating at least 5 Tesla normal to the sample plate with cooldown less than 45 hours; low-noise amplifiers and circulators; and sample loading apparatus allowing sample changes without warming to room temperature. Delivery to NIST-Boulder is required within nine months with one-year manufacturer's warranty covering labor, parts, and travel, plus on-site vendor technician services for setup, start-up, and turnkey installation. All quotations must be firm fixed price FOB Destination, with delivery within six months of order receipt and pricing valid for 120 days. Evaluation is LPTA: technical capability on Acceptable/Unacceptable basis and price for reasonableness without price realism analysis. NAICS is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), PSC is 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies).
NB686100-26-02139 Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology
7/28/26, 6:23 PM