Amendment 0002.docx

DOCX document 192 KB Posted

Attached to
POLAR Neutron Detectors Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
1333ND26QNB610462
Issued by
Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology

About this file

This file is Amendment 0002 to RFQ 1333ND26QNB, containing the Government's responses to contractor questions regarding POLAR Neutron Detectors. The RFQ response deadline is August 17, 2026, and the amendment was issued on August 14, 2026.

The Government requires true neutron proportional counters with sensitivity exceeding 90% of incident neutrons on the detector volume. The detector diameter is a firm requirement to establish spatial resolution; however, the active length may be shortened by no more than 10% if necessary. Detectors must operate under neutron flux levels ranging from 10^-2 to 10^4 neutrons/second (approximately 10^-3 to 10^3 neutrons/cm²/second) while maintaining linear response at maximum flux. The detectors must withstand a sustained neutron fluence of 10^3 neutrons/second over a 20-year operational lifetime. Operating conditions include nominal ambient temperature of 75°F (24°C), maximum temperature of 85°F (30°C), atmospheric pressure (1 atm), and operation in air. The maximum gamma dose rate is expected to be equivalent to the neutron dose over the operational lifetime. No specific Quality Assurance certification, such as ISO 9001, is required. Amendment 0001 extended the lead time requirement from four months to 52 weeks after receipt of order.

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Other files for this federal contract opportunity

Other files attached to POLAR Neutron Detectors, newest first.
File Type Posted
Amendment 0003.docx DOCX document
Amendment 0001.docx DOCX document
Provisions_Clauses.docx DOCX document
SOW_Final.docx DOCX document
CSS.docx DOCX document

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Text version

Amendment 0002 RFQ Number: 1333ND26QNB Requirement: POLAR Neutron Detectors RFQ Response Deadline: 08/17/26 Amendment Issue Date: 08/14/26

QUESTION 1: Detector Sensitivity: What minimum sensitivity/signal output is required, expressed in counts per second per nV or neutron/(cm²·second)?

RESPONSE 1: We require a true neutron proportional counter with a sensitivity exceeding 90% of incident neutron: s on the detector volume.

QUESTION 2: Detector Dimensions: Are the dimensions specified in the solicitation firm requirements, or would NIST consider a commercially available (COTS) detector design with different dimensions if it can be provided within a shorter lead time?

RESPONSE 2: The detector diameter is a firm requirement as it establishes a spatial resolution of the instrument proper. Because we are using an existing chassis for the instrument the total external length is constrained. We are willing to shorten the active length by no more than 10% to preserve that dimension.

QUESTION 3: Neutron Flux: What are the minimum and maximum neutron flux levels (neutrons/cm²·second) that the detectors will be required to operate under?

RESPONSE 3: We expect the flux on each tube to vary from 10^-2 to 10^4 neutrons/sec while remaining in the linear response range at its maximum. Scaling over the active length this is ~ 10^-3 to 10^3 n/cm2sec.

QUESTION 4: Neutron Fluence: What total neutron fluence (neutrons/cm²) must each detector be capable of withstanding over its operational lifetime?

QUESTION 4: We expect the detector to be capable of handing a sustained 10^3 neutrons/sec for an operational lifetime of 20 years.

QUESTION 5: Temperature Requirements: Please provide the nominal operating temperature and maximum temperature requirement.

QUESTION 5: The nominal operating temperature is ambient 75F (24C). The maximum operation temperature is 85 F (30 C).

QUESTION 6: External Pressure: Is there a specific external pressure requirement that the detectors must withstand?

RESPONSE 6: The detectors will be operating in atmospheric pressure (1 atm)

QUESTION 7: Gamma Radiation: What is the maximum gamma dose rate during operation (Gray/hour), and what total gamma dose (Gray) must the detectors withstand over their operational lifetime?

RESPONSE 7: We expect that the maximum gamma dose will be equivalent to the neutron dose over the operational lifetime.

QUESTION 8: Environmental Conditions: Will the detectors be operated in air, or are they intended for use in another environment?

RESPONSE 8: The detectors will be operating in air.

QUESTION 9: Quality Assurance: Is a specific Quality Assurance certification or standard required, such as ISO 9001?

RESPONSE 2: We do not have a quality assurance certification requirement.

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