CSS_SOW_CF_Superconucting Magnet.docx

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS & TECHNOLOGY

Cryogen Free Superconducting Magnet

RFQ NUMBER 1333ND24QNB680538

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION E: Statement of Work Page, 6-9

SECTION A: COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

A.1 COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

a. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6 Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested, and a separate written solicitation document will not be issued. This solicitation is being issued under the authority of FAR Part 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services. This solicitation is a Request for Quotations (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2024-05 published April 22, 2024, and effective May 22,2024.

b. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing which has a small business size standard of 1,000 employees, is the best fit for this acquisition. This acquisition is being competed full and open competition. All responsible, qualified business concerns can respond to this notice.

c. 1352.215-72 Inquiries (APR 2010); Offerors must submit all questions concerning this solicitation in writing to ranae.armstrong@nist.gov . Mailed and/or faxed questions will not be accepted. Any responses to questions will be made in writing, without identification of the questioner, and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Amendments to this solicitation (if applicable) will be posted on the SAM.GOV website under the solicitation. Inquires must be received no later than three (3) days after the RFQ is posted for Government response.

A.2 Solicitation Posting

a. This solicitation is only posted on the System for Award Management (SAM) website, www.sam.gov.

b. Attachments, amendments and other associated documents as applicable will be posted to the SAM.GOV website, under the solicitation.

A.3 Contract Type

a. This is a firm fixed-price contract type.

END OF SECTION A

SECTION B: SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT

B.1 SAM Registration

a. An Offeror is required to be active and registered in the System for Award Management when submitting an offer or quotation and shall continue to be registered until time of award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation, in order to comply with the annual representations and certification requirements. If an offeror is not active and registered in SAM, their submission will not be considered for award offer and will not be reviewed the Government. The Government will review the Offeror’s SAM registration and affirm the determination of responsibility. In addition, the Government will review the currently available credit/assessment/performance reports. The Government will also review an Offeror’s SAM exclusions record. A non-responsible determination may be made if an Offeror lacks adequate financial resources or has demonstrated poor past performance.

END OF SECTION B

SECTION C: QUOTATION SUBMISSION. LATE SUBMISSIONS, & RESPONSE DEADLINE

C.1 General Instructions Quotations are expected to conform to solicitation provisions and be prepared in accordance with this section. To aid in evaluation, the quotation shall be clearly and concisely written as well as being neat, indexed (cross-indexed as appropriate) and logically assembled. All pages of each part shall be appropriately numbered and identified with the name of the offeror, the date, and the solicitation number.

C.2 Electronic Submission Only The offeror shall submit their quotation electronically to ranae.armstrong@nist.gov with a cc to Donald.collie@nist.gov, FAXED AND/OR MAILED QUOTATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Quotations must be received in the email inbox on or before the due date and time specified above. Only information received on or before the due date and time shall be considered for award. Any quotation, or part thereof, received after the due date and time, shall be deemed late and not considered for award. Offeror’s quotations shall not be deemed received by the Government until the quotation is entered in the e-mail inbox provided above.

C.3 All Offerors Shall Submit the Following:

a. For the purpose of evaluation of technical acceptability, the offeror must submit documentation that demonstrates the offered equipment/services meet the technical specifications and requirements as detailed in the Statement of Work.

Offerors shall provide a firm fixed-price offer for the following line items.

Line Item 0001 Description: Cryogen-Free Superconducting Magnet System Quantity: One (1)

b. A completed version of all required solicitation provisions (see attached provisions/clauses document – required submissions highlighted in blue). THE BUY AMERICAN ACT PORTION OF THE RFQ MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED WITH THE QUOTATION.

c. Any award resulting from this solicitation will contain the following statement: “The Government’s terms and conditions, identified herein, shall be the prevailing terms and conditions governing this award. In the event of a conflict between the Government’s and contractor’s terms and conditions, the Government’s terms and conditions take precedence.” If the Contractor objects to any of the terms and conditions contained in this solicitation, the contractor shall state “The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:” [Contractor shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s)]. It is the sole responsibility of the Contractor to identify in their quote any exceptions to the terms and conditions of the solicitation. If the contractor does not include such a statement, the submission of a quotation in response to this solicitation will be regarded as the Contractor’s acceptance of the Government’s terms and conditions for inclusion into the resultant purchase order as prevailing.

d. Offeror shall provide an active UEI # for the System for Award Management (SAM) registration.

e. Please note that this procurement IS NOT being conducted under the GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) program or another Government-Wide Area Contract (GWAC). If a contractor submits a quotation based upon an FSS or GWAC contract, the Government will accept the quoted price. However, the terms and conditions stated herein will be included in any resultant Purchase Order, not the terms and conditions of the contractor’s FSS or GWAC contract, and the statement required above shall be included in the quotation.

C.4 Due Date for Quotations

a. All quotations must be submitted via e-mail to Contract Specialist Ranae Armstrong at RANAE.ARMSTRONG@NIST.GOV. Submission must be received not later than 09/11/24, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A quotation shall be considered received when it is received in the electronic inbox of Ranae Armstrong not later than the date and time identified herein.

b. The clauses and provisions applicable to this solicitation can be found under Applicable Clauses & Provisions. The full text of a FAR provision or clause may be accessed electronically at or www.acquisition.gov/far. The full text of a CAR provision or clause may be accessed electronically at or https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-13

C.5 Late Submissions and Withdrawals of Quotes

a. Any quote received in the inbox of ranae.armstrong@nist.gov after the date and time specified for receipt of Quotes may not be considered unless it is determined by the Contracting Officer that the submitted quotation is advantageous to the Government and/or is received before a purchase order is issued.

b. Quotes can only be submitted electronically. This is also applicable to any modified quotes. The request to withdraw a quote must be submitted electronically to the contract specialist and contracting officer.

Description: Cryogen-Free Superconducting Magnet System Quantity: One (1)

END OF SECTION C

SECTION D: EVALUATION CRITERIA

D.1 Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA)

D.2 Evaluation Criteria The Government intends to award a single purchase order from this RFQ to the responsible offeror whose quotation, conforming to the solicitation, is the lowest price, technically acceptable quotation. The Government reserves the right not to award a purchase order.

Technically acceptable means that the offeror provides the equipment/services as specified in the Statement of Work. No prototypes or demonstration models will be considered. Evaluation of technical capability shall be based on the information provided in the quotation. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will evaluate whether the offeror has demonstrated that its proposed equipment/supplies meet all minimum requirements. If an offeror does not demonstrate how the equipment/services meet the required technical specifications NIST will determine the offer is not technically acceptable.

The proposed pricing will be evaluated to determine that the total price is consistent with the technical portion of the quotation and is a fair and reasonable overall price to the Government.

NIST intends to evaluate quotations and issue a purchase order based on the initial quotes received. Therefore, the offerors initial quote should contain the offerors best terms from a price and technical standpoint. NIST reserves the right to request revised quotes from, or negotiate final contract terms with, one or more, but not all, Contractors if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary.

END OF SECTION D

SECTION E: STATEMENT OF WORK

Statement of Work Title: Cryogen-Free Superconducting Magnet System Requesting Lab: National Institute of Standards & Technology Physical Measurements Laboratory (NIST PML)

BACKGROUND

The NIST Quantum Measurements Division requires a new cryogen-free superconducting magnet system for modernizing the capabilities for dissemination of the ohm and farad. This project involves developing a digital impedance bridge to calibrate fused-silica capacitors with a combined standard uncertainty less than 0.05 ppm in reference to quantum Hall resistance. Graphene-based QHR standard has been attested for DC calibration. The new system will support the development of graphene-based AC QHR devices and promote quantum impedance standard for distribution to other national metrology institutes and primary resistance laboratories.

Purpose: Modernize the capabilities for the dissemination of ohm and farad.

SCOPE

The Contractor shall deliver a quantity of one (1) cryogen-free superconducting magnet system, inclusive of FOB Destination delivery terms, and a two (2) year warranty.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The Offeror shall submit a firm fixed-price quotation for a cryogen-free superconducting magnet system that meets or exceed the minimum requirements identified below. All items must be new. Used or remanufactured equipment will not be considered for award. Experimental, or prototype systems will not be accepted, evaluated, or considered for award offer. The use of “gray market” components not authorized for sale in the U.S. by the proposer is not acceptable. All line items shall be shipped in the original manufacturer’s packaging and include all original documentation and software, when applicable.

Line Item 0001 Description: Cryogen-Free Superconducting Magnet System Quantity: One (1)

A. Technical Specifications Cryocooler/Cryostat

1. Maximum cryostat footprint of 1 m × 1 m.

2. Minimum magnet bore of 50 mm.

3. Aluminum construction.

4. Water-cooled compressor.

5. Evacuation valve, safety positive pressure relief devices.

6. Minimum cooling power of 1.5 W.

7. Minimum sample space temperature of 1.6 K.

8. Temperature control stability of ±0.05 K.

9. Calibrated temperature sensors installed for system diagnostics.

10. Calibrated Cernox-HT sensor under sample holder with thermally-anchored, shielded cable accessed through external Fischer connector.

11. Integrated with a top-loading Variable Temperature Insert.

12. Compatible for a top-loading ultra-low temperature insert to access 25 mK at sample space.

B.

C. Technical Specifications Superconducting Magnet

1. Magnetic field strengths of +/-14 tesla.

2. <= 0.1 % tolerance on the central field homogeneity over 10 mm diameter spherical volume (DSV).

3. Persistent mode switch.

4. Full protection against quench damage.

5. Magnet power supply system.

6. High temperature superconducting current leads installed.

D. Technical Specifications Variable Temperature Insert

1. Controlled sample temperature range of 1.6 K – 375 K.

2. A gold-plated, customized sample mount with a calibrated (1.4 K – 420 K) Cernox-HT temperature sensor and bifilar wound heater.

3. Vaporizer of the variable temperature insert is also fitted with a calibrated Cernox temperature sensor and heater.

4. 19-pin Fischer connectors at the top of VTI per customer preference.

5. Connectors at the top of VTI for coaxial cable per customer preference.

E. Ultra Low Temperature Insert

1. Controlled sample temperature range of 25 mK – 300 K.

2. A gold-plated, customized sample mount with a calibrated Lake Shore RoxTM temperature sensor (0.01K – 40 K), a calibration Cernox-HT sensor sensor (0.1 K - 420 K), and a bifilar wound heater.

3. 19-pin Fischer connectors at the top of VTI per customer preference.

4. Connectors at the top of VTI for coaxial cable per customer preference.

5. Minimum 40 mm sample space.

F. Required Accessories

1. Oil-free scroll vacuum pump, all plumbing, and gas storage vessel.

2. Temperature controller.

3. Temperature monitor.

4. Electronics cabinet.

5. Low vibration pneumatically isolated platform.

6. Anti-vibration sand trap for cryocooler and variable temperature insert vacuum lines.

DELIVERABLE

DELIVERY TERMS

FOB Destination

FOB Destination means: The contractor shall pack and mark the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements, deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the purchase order, be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the purchase order; and pay all charges to the specified point of delivery.

The contractor shall deliver all Line Items to:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology 100 Bureau Drive, C/O TBA

Building 218 Gaithersburg, MD 20899

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

The Contractor shall deliver the superconducting magnet power supplies to Building 301 with final delivery to Building 218, room F0023, at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, using standard commercial shipping practices.

INSPECTION & ACCEPTANCE

In addition to the inspection and acceptance terms articulated in 52.212-4, the Government reserves the right to perform such performance tests and evaluations as defined below to verify specified system performance. Such tests and evaluations, if performed, shall be conducted within the environment that the system is to be operated. The Contractor has the right to be present during the tests and evaluations, if performed, at the Contractor’s expense.

Performance Tests:

1. Verify the minimum sample space temperature of 1.6 K.

2. Verify the temperature control stability of +/-0.05 K.

3. Verify the maximum magnet field of 14 T.

4. Verify the controlled sample temperature range of the VTI (Variable Temperature Insert).

5. Verify the dissipation factor (D) of the capacitance of the ac coaxial cable between the center conductor and the outer conductor at 5 kHz at room temperature. D must be less than 0.001.

6. Verify the resistance of the lead wire for DC signal (<=5 ohm).

7. Verify the controlled sample temperature range of the Ultra Low Temperature Insert (43mK-300K)

NIST may choose at its discretion to forego this part of acceptance testing.

A visual inspection of the equipment will be performed by the NIST COR or OU Representative to identify surface defects or any form of indication that any equipment was damaged during transport to NIST. The Government shall have sole discretion to require repair or replacement of damaged and/or nonconforming supplies at no cost to the Government. The Government at any time prior to acceptance shall reject the equipment due to defects and/or nonconformance. The vendor is responsible for latent defects discovered any time after final inspection. However, the extent of its liability shall be prorated over the useful life of the equipment.

Ownership of the equipment shall transfer to NIST upon acceptance by the Government.

The Government will test, inspect, and accept or reject the equipment within ninety (90) days of the receipt of the equipment unless otherwise indicated above. An extended acceptance and inspection period is needed to allow for the visual inspection, installation, on-site training, and the completion of the performance tests which take approximately two (2) months to complete. The Government reserves the right to conduct quality assurance testing to confirm that a given instrument(s) meets the manufacturer’s and/or the Government’s performance specifications. It is anticipated that the equipment will meet all manufacturer’s specifications and/or the Government’s performance specifications identified in the most recent operations and maintenance manual for each piece of equipment and/or in this document. NIST will not accept a system that is deficient and does not meet the required technical specifications.

WARRANTY

The contractor shall warranty the entire system for a period of a minimum of two (2) years after receipt of the equipment and shall be in accordance with terms in FAR 52.212-4. Warranty shall commence upon acceptance of the system by the Government and at a minimum shall include unlimited telephone/e-mail support for questions regarding operation. All costs including parts, labor, travel, and other expenses necessary to repair the system will be borne solely by the contractor at no additional cost to the U.S. Government.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Advance payment is not authorized. The Contractor must invoice in arrears according to the payment schedule. The Contractor shall be paid, in accordance with Net 30-day payment terms, upon receipt and acceptance of a proper invoice. An invoice will not be accepted if submitted prior the Government’s acceptance of the generator.

NOTE: Partial shipments and partial invoices will not be accepted, unless otherwise requested and accepted by the Contracting Officer prior to award offer. Proposed payment schedules shall be submitted with vendor’s response to the RFQ for consideration.

END OF SECTION E

SECTION F: SOLICITATION ADMINISTRATION

F.1 Amendments and Modifications

a. Changes in terms and conditions of this solicitation shall be accomplished by written amendment only.

b. Changes in terms and conditions of any resulting contract shall be accomplished only by written modification signed by the Contracting Officer.

END OF SECTION F

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