Aerodynamic Aerosol Classifier (AAC) and Centrifugal Particle Mass Analyzer (CPMA)
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- NB305000-26-01325
- Agency
-
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Department of Commerce
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- PSC
- Not on record
- Place of performance
- Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research and intends to issue a sole-source award to CAMBUSTION LTD for Aerodynamic Aerosol Classifier (AAC) and Centrifugal Particle Mass Analyzer (CPMA) equipment, with responses to this combined sources-sought and sole-source notice due by July 8, 2026. NIST will consider alternate sources identified through this notice before proceeding to sole-source award.
NIST's market research from December 2025 through March 2026—conducted via internet search, GSA and SAM.gov review, professional journals, and vendor outreach—identified CAMBUSTION LTD as the only vendor capable of meeting minimum requirements. The equipment must classify aerosol particles by aerodynamic diameter from 25 nm to greater than 5 mm and by mass-to-charge ratio at masses greater than 0.2 ag (2 × 10⁻¹⁹ g, equivalent to a 7 nm diameter particle with unit density) with mass resolution (Dm/m) greater than 5. CAMBUSTION LTD is located in Cambridge, United Kingdom (UEI: UPTMD12PY5J1).
The acquisition falls under NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a Small Business Size Standard of 1,000 employees. No set-aside is anticipated. This notice does not constitute a commitment to award and is issued under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) authority.
Notice text
GENERAL INFORMATION
This is combined sources sought notice and notice of intent to sole source. The purpose of this notice is to conduct market research and identify potential sources of commercial products/services that satisfy the Government’s anticipated needs. If no alternate sources are identified, as a result of this notice, the Government intends to issue a sole source award to CAMBUSTION LTD, Unit J6 The Paddocks 347 Cherry Hinton Road Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom (UEI: UPTMD12PY5J1), under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1)(i). NIST conducted market research from December 2025 through March 2026 by conducting internet searches; utilizing GSA and SAM.gov; reviewing professional journals and published literature; and speaking with colleagues, other professionals, and vendors to determine what sources could meet NIST’s minimum requirements. The results of that market research revealed that only CAMBUSTION LTD appears to be capable of meeting NIST’s requirements as they are the only vendor that manufactures an Aerodynamic Aerosol Classifier (AAC) capable of classifying aerosol particles by aerodynamic diameter from 25 nm to > 5 μm and a Particle Mass Analyzer (PMA) capable of classifying aerosol particles by mass to charge ratio at masses > 0.2 ag (2 × 10^-19 g, equivalent to a 7 nm diameter particle with unit density) at a mass resolution (Δm/m) > 5. If other capable vendors are identified as a result of this notice, that information will be reviewed and considered so that the NIST may appropriately solicit for its requirement.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a Small Business Size Standard of 1,000 employees.
This notice does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), Invitation for Bids (IFB), or any commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will not pay for any information submitted in response to this notice. Submission of information is voluntary and will not result in any obligation on the part of the Government.
NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS EXIST AT THIS TIME
Requests for solicitation documents will not receive a response.
Respondents shall clearly mark any proprietary or restricted information. In the absence of such markings, NIST will assume unlimited rights to all
technical data submitted.
BACKGROUND
The National Institute of Standards and Technology requires an Aerodynamic Aerosol Classifier (AAC) and Particle Mass Analyzer (PMA) to establish a high-fidelity metrological framework for characterizing sub-50 nm impurities in semiconductor process chemicals, specifically ultrapure water. Unlike traditional mobility-based classification, the AAC and CPMA allow for the independent determination of a particle’s aerodynamic diameter and mass without the uncertainties introduced by electrical charging states. This capability is mission-critical for the CHIPS GCPN 1.04 objectives, as it enables the direct calculation of particle density and dynamic shape factors for complex morphologies (e.g., rods, agglomerates) common in ultrapure water (UPW) residues. By isolating these physical properties, NIST can provide the necessary "ground truth" to calibrate and improve the accuracy of Laser Optical Particle Counters (OPCs), ensuring the reliability of contamination monitoring in next-generation fabrication environments.
DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT
NIST is seeking information from contractors capable of providing an Aerodynamic Aerosol Classifier (AAC) and Particle Mass Analyzer (PMA) that meet all listed technical minimum specifications below.
Technical Specifications
Description: Aerodynamic aerosol classifier
Quantity: One (1)
Technical Specifications
- Capable of classifying aerosol particles by aerodynamic diameter from 25 nm to > 5 μm.
- Classification mechanism independent of particle charge.
- Remote control via Ethernet or USB
- Windows-compatible software for remote control
- Compatible with TSI 3756 and 3775 condensation particle counters.
- 120 V, 60 Hz AC power
Description: Aerosol particle mass analyzer
Quantity: One (1)
Technical Specifications
- Capable of classifying aerosol particles by mass to charge ratio at masses > 0.2 ag (2 × 10‑19 g, equivalent to a 7 nm diameter particle with unit density) at a mass resolution (Δm/m) > 5.
- Remote control via Ethernet or USB
- Windows-compatible software for remote control
- Compatible with TSI 3756 and 3775 condensation particle counters.
- 120 V, 60 Hz AC power
RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS
Interested parties shall submit a written capability statement addressing the following:
- Company name, address, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, CAGE code, and point-of-contact information
- Business size and socio-economic status (if applicable) for the NAICS code provided
- Description of company capabilities relevant to the products/services described above
- Description of prior experience providing/performing similar products/services described above
- Identification of applicable contract vehicles (e.g., GSA FSS, GWACs), including contract numbers
- Any other information the Government should consider for market research purposes
- State whether the proposed product is manufactured in the United States and, if not, state the name of the country where the product is manufactured.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- All responses to this notice must be submitted via email to Sadaf.Afkhami@nist.gov no later than 12:00 PM EST on July 8, 2026. Please include the following posting number in the subject line: NB305000-26-01325
- Format: Microsoft Word or PDF
- Page Limit: 12 pages maximum
- Font: Times New Roman, 11-point
- Paper Size: 8.5 x 11 inches
- Margins: Minimum 1 inch on all sides
Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to Sadaf.Afkhami@nist.gov, no later than 11:00 AM EST on June 25, 2026.
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