NB687080-20-01810 Draft SOW.pdf

Statement of Work Cryogenic Dilution Refrigerator (DR)

NB687080-20-0180

Background Information:

a. The NIST Quantum Sensors Group develops arrays of superconducting sensors for applications in metrology, materials analysis, and astrophysics. These sensors typically operate at temperatures in the milliKelvin range, which requires specialized refrigeration technology. To enable the design, testing, and operation of larger and more sensitive detector packages, the Quantum Sensors Group seeks to purchase a cryogenic dilution refrigerator (DR) whose base temperature, cooling power, and mechanical form factor are matched to detector project needs.

2. Scope of Work:

a. Objectives:

i. The goal of this contract is to supply, install, and train new users on a cryogenic dilution refrigerator system that meets the needs of the NIST Quantum Sensors Group.

b. General:

i. The Contractor shall:

1. Provide evidence of experience of supplying, installing, and training new users on at least 5 dilution refrigerator systems with similar requirements to those in the statement of work. Evidence of this criterion shall be demonstrated with appropriate documentation.

2. Provide personnel that pass required Government background checks to be issued badges for work on site.

3. Provide a quotation proposal which details all planned materials, consumables, travel, labor, equipment, and expenses.

4. Supply the installation manual, utility requirements, and a diagram showing the tool footprint, and measurements along with quotation.

ii. Specifications for the Work:

1. All staff from the selected vendor shall be badged by NIST Security. No one may enter the site without a badge.

2. All work shall be scheduled with the technical point of contact (TPOC) prior to arrival to do the work.

iii. The cryogenic dilution refrigerator system shall:

Cryogenic Dilution Refrigerator SOW

1. Consist of a vacuum shell at ambient temperature and the following thermal stages within 50K, 4K, 1K, and 100mK mixing chamber (MXC). These stages shall be thermally isolated from one another.

2. Include radiation shields at the 50K, 4K, and 1K stages to protect thermal radiation from coupling to lower thermal stages from higher thermal stages.

3. Achieve < 50mK at the MXC stage by use of a mixture of He3 and He4 gas as the coolant.

4. Have measurement lines (i.e., experimental wiring) to control and monitor the output of cryogenic detector arrays. These lines shall run from 300K to the MXC stage and shall have thermal anchors at each stage in between.

c. Specific Requirements:

i. At a time to be coordinated after the award of the contract, the Contractor shall:

1. Supply, install and train new users on a dilution refrigerator system that meets the technical specifications in section 2.c of this document.

ii. Physical requirements. The dilution refrigerator system shall:

1. Have a vacuum system with a base pressure of 10-6 Torr or less.

The vacuum system shall use only oil-free, dry pumps.

2. Have a mixing chamber plate with a diameter of 280 mm or more.

3. Provide a cylindrical working volume with a diameter of at least

280 mm and a height of at least 230 mm.

4. Include radiation shields for 50K, 4K, and 1K temperature stages to prevent thermal radiation coupling from a high-temperature stage to a lower temperature stage.

5. Include a two-part vacuum shell and two-part 50K radiation shield to be split and flanged at the location of the 4K flange. These are required for ease of assembly.

6. Have an aluminum vacuum shell for ease of handling.

7. Include the mechanical supporting structure, such as the floor mount.

8. Have extensive vibration isolation including a remote rack-mounted turbopump with bellows, flexible thermal links between the pulse tube and cryostat stages, and pulse tube bellows damping stage at 300 K. The Vendor shall provide documentation demonstrating that vibration amplitude of the MXC flange be less than 1.0 microns in the vertical direction and less than 5.0 microns in the radial direction over the frequency range 0-200 Hz.

9. Be drop-in compatible with an existing, NIST-supplied millimeter wave optical port. This optical port is detailed in Attachment 1.

and consists of a vacuum compatible 300K flange, 50K radiation shield flange, 4K radiation shield flange, and 1K radiation shield flange. Bolted to these flanges are a series of unique millimeter-wave filters that reject thermal radiation from loading the cryogenic system, but pass millimeter-waves used to interrogate cryogenic sensor arrays. This optical port couples to an existing cryogenic system at NIST. To serve our research needs, the Government requires that this optical port be swapped between systems. Therefore the Cryogenic DR System for Quantum Sensing, the subject of this statement of work, shall be drop-in compatible with this optical port with no modifications. This requirement drives the following dimensional constraints on the DR system:

a. The 300K vacuum shell shall

i. have an outer diameter of at least 425 mm

ii. have a bolt circle of 12 x M8 taps equally spaced in angle on a 406 mm diameter circle to accept the NIST-supplied 300K vacuum port flange

iii. have a smooth surface at a diameter of 386.5 mm and width of 10mm to accept the o-ring on the NIST-suppled 300K flange to maintain high-vacuum

b. The 50K radiation shield bottom shall

i. be a cylinder with outer diameter of at least 365 mm

ii. have a bolt circle of 12 x M5 taps equally spaced in angle on a 346 mm diameter circle to accept the NIST-supplied 50K optical port flange.

c. The 4K radiation shield bottom shall

i. be a cylinder with outer diameter of at least 325 mm

ii. have a bolt circle of 12 x M5 taps equally spaced in angle on a 314 mm diameter circle to accept the NIST-supplied 4K optical port flange.

d. The 1K radiation shield bottom shall

i. be a cylinder with outer diameter of at least 300 mm

ii. have a bolt circle of 12 x M5 taps equally spaced in angle on a 290 mm diameter circle to accept the NIST-supplied 1K optical port flange.

e. The vertical clearance between the 300K flange and 50K flange shall be at least 25 mm but no more than 30 mm

f. The vertical clearance between the 50K flange and the 4K flange shall be at least 19 mm but no more than 24 mm

g. The vertical clearance between the 4K flange and the 1K flange shall be at least 17 mm but no more than 22 mm

10. Have a downward-facing optical port, and the bottom of the vacuum jacket window shall be at least 120 mm from the laboratory floor such that the existing NIST test infrastructure fits beneath the vacuum window.

11. Include a vacuum jacket lid without an optical port plus flange blanks for the 50K, 4K, and 1K radiation shields so that system may be run in a dark, non-optical configuration.

12. Be controlled by software that can control all aspects of the tool.

This software must also provide users a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that shows users the state of the tool (such as valve positions, pressure, and temperatures at various positions within the system), and allows users to change the state of the tool (such as the operating temperature).

13. Include all computer systems, power supplies, chillers and/or heat exchangers (if necessary) and all ancillary equipment required for the system to operate.

14. Be able to be powered using 120 V or 208 V single or 3-phase power source(s).

15. Be designed for normal operation at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level.

iii. Performance of the refrigerator. The DR system shall:

1. Operate cryogen-free, i.e., pulse tube cooler is used instead of liquid helium to cool down to 4 K.

2. Have a cool-down time to 50 mK of less than 22 h.

3. Have cooling power of at least 40 W at 45 K, at least 1.0 W at 4.2

K, and at least 250 microwatts at 100 mK.

4. Include a mode of operation in which the 4K stage temperature may be held at or below 4K for >3 hours with the pulse-tube cooler turned off. This feature is sometimes referred to as a "helium battery," and it realizes an invaluable debugging mode in which mechanical vibrations that otherwise adversely affect detector focal plane packages are removed.

iv. Mixture circulation system. The DR system shall:

1. Not have a membrane pump in the 3He—4He mixture circulation since they have short service periods, and the rupture of the membrane leads potentially to loss or contamination of the mixture.

2. Have a dilution unit free of soft-solder joints, including but not limited to tin-lead solder. Soft-solders are known to develop micro-fractures and cold leaks overtime.

3. Use oil-free pumps and compressors in the mixture circulation system

v. Operation. The DR system shall:

1. Have a heat-exchange-gas-free operation, i.e., the device shall have only a single vacuum feedthrough stage at room temperature, which implies that no heat exchange gas can be used in the large vacuum can.

2. Run fully automated with computer-controlled valves and pumps—Press-of-a-button cool-down control.

3. Include a panel with the possibility to override the automation and to fully control the device manually.

4. Include the capability to control the device with user-written software (Python, LabView, and MATLAB) running on an additional user-supplied computer.

5. Be drop-in compatible with custom NIST-written software written in Python for cryogenic sensor array data acquisition routines, which require commanding/controlling/monitoring the DR system temperatures.

vi. Supplies. The following accessories shall be provided by the Contractor:

1. Temperature measurement and control equipment including thermometers and a Lakeshore 372/AC resistance bridge with a PID controller. This model resistance bridge is required to be drop-in compatible with NIST-written software for sensor array measurement acquisition. The resulting temperature stability at the mixing chamber plate shall be accurate on the sub-millikelvin level below 100 mK. Thermometers at all plates at different low temperatures shall be included.

2. A warm-up heater, installed, for faster warm-up of the refrigerator.

The warm-up heater shall include at least one heating element on the 4 K plate and a programmable power supply. The refrigerator shall warm up in 13 hours or less using the warm-up heater.

vii. Experimental wiring. The DR unit shall include:

1. Microwave experimental wiring consisting of coaxial cables and connectors adhering to MIL-STD-348 (known commonly as SMA connectors) and thermal anchoring at each temperature stage.

a. Microwave input lines shall consist of

i. From 300K to 4K: quantity four 0.86mm

SCuNi/CuNi coaxial cables. Individual coaxial connectors shall be welded to a 300K flange, rather than sealed with individual o-rings, or mounted using keyed connectors that connect rotate loose.

ii. From 4K to mixing chamber: quantity 4 0.86 mm SCuNi-CuNi coaxial cables

b. Microwave output lines shall consist of

i. From 300K to 4K: quantity 4 2.19 mm SCuNi/CuNi coaxial cables. Individual coaxial connectors shall be welded to a 300K flange, rather than sealed with individual o-rings, or mounted using keyed connectors that connect rotate loose.

ii. From 4K to mixing chamber: quantity 4 0.86 mm NbTi-NbTi coaxial cables.

2. Experimental wiring of 2 sets of 12 AWG-36 phosphor-bronze twisted pairs including installation and thermalization from room temperature to 4 K. Installation to include a break-out box with a standard connector for each wire at room temperature and a standard connector for each wire at 4 K. These wires will connect to the wires in the next item.

3. Experimental wiring of 2 sets of 12 NbTi/CuNi low-ohmic superconducting twisted pairs, including installation and thermalization from 4 K to base temperature. Installation to include standard connectors for each wire at 4 K and base temperature. Micro-D Subminiature (MDM) connectors shall be used at both the 4 K and MXC stage.

4. Experimental wiring of at least 6 twisted pairs of 36 AWG copper from room temperature to the 50 K stage. This set of wires shall include anchoring to the pulse tube and standard connectors at room temperature and 50 K. The purpose of these lines is to power user-supplied low noise microwave amplifiers operated at the 50 K stage.

5. Experimental wiring of at least 6 twisted pairs of 36 AWG copper from room temperature to the 4 K stage. This set of wires shall include anchoring to the pulse tube and standard connectors at room temperature and 4 K. The purpose of these lines, is to power user-supplied low noise microwave amplifiers operated at the 4 K stage.

6. All wiring shall be heat sunk at each successive stage of the refrigerator.

viii. Delivery/training/acceptance/warranty

1. The Contractor shall supply the installation manual, utility requirements, and a diagram showing the tool footprint, measurements, and wall penetrations (if applicable) along with quotation.

2. Twenty-one days after receipt of award (AOR), the Contractor shall supply a schedule for when the required work will be performed.

3. Before shipping the system, the Contractor shall provide the Government with a written factory acceptance report demonstrating that the DR system performs according to tool specifications listed in this statement of work.

4. The tool shall be delivered, installed, and pass the site acceptance test, and training shall be completed eight months ARO

5. On-site training shall be at least three days.

6. The Contractor shall supply all parts, hardware, equipment, and labor required to perform the tasks listed.

7. The Contractor shall supply a three-year warranty on all parts and labor. The Contractor shall also provide options for additional extended warranty.

8. The Contractor shall schedule all visits to NIST, Boulder, with the TPOC at least 2 weeks before arriving at the site.

9. Within one week of the completion of the work, the Contractor shall provide the TPOC a written report of the work done, the results of the acceptance test, and any issues identified.

3. Period of Performance:

a. The Contractor shall supply evidence of supplying similar DR tools and the installation manual along with the quotation. The Contractor shall supply a schedule for the required work within 4 weeks ARO. Before the tool is shipped, the Contractor shall provide the Government a written factory acceptance report demonstrating that the DR system performs according to specifications. The Contractor shall ship the tool within eight months of award of contract. Within one week of the completion of the work (including training), the Contractor shall provide the TPOC a written report of the work done, the results of the acceptance test, and any issues identified. After the Government receives the written report, the tool shall be accepted. The Contractor shall provide a 3-year warranty after acceptance.

4. Place of Performance:

a. All work shall be performed at the 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado, Building 1, Room 2120.

i. It is the Contractor's responsibility for delivery of the item to Building 1, room 2120. The item must be able to be delivered to its final position in Room 2120 from Building 1 or 2 dock. This should include ensuring that the item can travel through all required hallways, doorways, and elevators.

ii. That the item will be able to fit in the required space in the building/room as required by section 2.c.

b. The Government will provide access to Building 1 to the Contractor for the entire period of performance of this contract.

c. The day-to-day supervision and direct control over the work performed by the on-site Contractor personnel shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

5. Government Furnished Property:

a. The Government will provide all He3 gas required for the system.

b. The Government will provide liquid He4 and liquid nitrogen for system commissioning.

6. Deliverables

Specification Number Reference

Description Due Date Format (if applicable)

2.b.i.1 Provide evidence of experience of supplying, installing, and training new users on a DR system with similar requirements to those in the statement of work. Evidence of this criterion shall be demonstrated with an appropriate reference.

With Quotation Electronic (PDF, .doc, .docx, etc.)

2.b.i.4 Provide the Government with the installation manual, utility requirements, and a diagram showing the tool footprint, measurements, and wall penetrations (if applicable) along with quotation. The Contractor may provide a facilitization checklist for the Government to fill out and sign.

With Quotation Electronic (PDF, .doc, .docx, etc.)

2.c.viii.2 The Contractor shall supply a schedule for when the required work will be performed.

4 weeks ARO. Electronic (e-mail, PDF, .doc, .docx, etc.)

2.c.viii.3 The Contractor shall provide the Government with a factory acceptance report demonstrating that the DR system performs according to tool specifications.

Before the tool is shipped

Electronic (e-mail, PDF, .doc, .docx, etc.)

2.c.viii.4 The tool shall be delivered, installed, pass the site acceptance test, and training shall be completed 8 months ARO

8 months ARO N/A

2.c.viii.9 The Contractor shall supply the TPOC with a copy of a report summarizing, work done, the results of the acceptance test, and any issues identified within one week after their site visit.

8 months ARO Electronic (e-mail, PDF, .doc, .docx, etc.)

a. Performance requirements:

i. Task: Assist the Government by supplying, setting up, and training new users on a DR system that meets the specifications as defined section 2.

ii. Performance Indicators: After DR system is installed and tested, it meets the tool requirements described in section 2.

iii. Performance Standards: The technical requirements defined in section 2, the Contractor provides 3 days of training, and the delivery of the written report described in section 6 within one week of completion.

iv. Acceptable Quality Level: Set up and testing of the DR system is performed according to industry standards. After the DR system is installed, it meets the tools' requirements described in section 2.

7. Attachments

a. Attachment1: mmWaveOpticalPort.PDF

8. Travel:

a. The Contractor shall be responsible for all travel expenses.

9. Contractor Supplied Materials

a. The Contractor shall supply all parts, hardware, equipment, and labor required to perform the tasks listed.

10. Contractor's Minimum Qualifications

a. The Contractor shall:

i. Provide personnel that pass required Government background checks to be issued badges for work on site.

11. Confidentiality:

a. The information developed under this contract is the property of the U.S.

Government and shall be kept in strict confidence.

12. Campus Access and Security:

a. Effective July 21, 2014, under the REAL ID Act of 2005, agencies, including NIST, can only accept a state-issued driver's license or identification card from states that are REAL ID compliant or have an extension. See the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) site for the current compliance list.

b. NIST currently accepts other forms of federally issued identification in lieu of a state-issued driver's license, such as a valid passport, passport card, DOD's Common Access Card (CAC), Veterans ID, Federal Agency HSPD-12 IDs, Military Dependents ID, Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), and TSA Trusted Traveler ID.

c. Foreign nationals who will be visiting NIST for more than three (3) days must be pre-registered in the associates' system at least 45 calendar days prior to the arrival. The sponsor must complete citizenship information during the registration to ensure the form will automatically be routed to the appropriate offices.