4 Kelvin Closed Cycle Cryostat

The National Institute of Standards and Technology seeks quotations for a 4 Kelvin Closed Cycle Cryostat, with quotations due July 27, 2026. This is an unrestricted RFQ issued under FAR Part 12 (Commercial Items) with no set-aside.

Place of performance is Boulder, Colorado (325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305). The cryostat must achieve a base temperature below 3 Kelvin in an upright sample space configuration with greater than 1.5 watts cooling power at 4.5 Kelvin, peak-to-peak temperature variations less than 50 millikelvin, and cool-down and warm-up times both under 2 hours. The sample space must exceed 250 millimeters diameter and 225 millimeters height with 4-40 threaded holes on half-inch spacing and non-magnetic materials throughout, including replacement of steel heli-coils with non-magnetic material and elimination of nickel-flashing on gold plating. Additional requirements include more than 8 standard vacuum ports, a liquid helium pot on the second stage, greater than 10 customizable I/O interface ports, optical window access, a water-cooled F-70L compressor with electrical isolation, 96 DC electrical lines with DB25 connectors, and 24 DC low-resistance copper electrical lines. All items must be new in original manufacturer packaging; used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, custom, or "gray market" items are not acceptable. A separately priced optional item includes one 1 Tesla split-coil magnet with superconducting high-current leads and 110+ millimeter bore size. Delivery, installation, and training must be completed within 12 months of award, with government acceptance testing expected within 21 days. NAICS code is 334516; small business size standard is 1,000 employees. Quotations must be firm fixed price on FOB Destination basis with all shipping included, remain valid for 120 days, and include a technical quotation not exceeding 6 single-sided pages plus evidence of experience on a minimum of one and maximum of three relevant projects from the past three years. Evaluation weights technical capability and experience significantly more heavily than price. Amendment 1 corrected the delivery requirement from 12 weeks to 12 months. Amendment 2 posted answers to contractor questions.