Bi-2212 Superconducting Magnet Wire

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), operating under the Department of Energy, seeks proposals for the procurement of specialized Bi-2212 superconducting magnet wire through Request for Proposal BZ-2026-01. The solicitation requires submission of proposals for two or three 10 kg billets of bare wire with a nominal diameter of 1.0 mm (with an optional drawing capability to 0.8 mm), featuring a Bi-2212 "521" composition powder core, silver-magnesium outer sheath, pure silver inner sheath, and a 23% ± 5% high-temperature superconductor fill factor in a 37 x 18 stacking configuration with minimum piece-length exceeding 50 meters. LBNL will evaluate proposals based on multiple criteria including critical current density performance, past performance, billet size capability, quality management system certifications, key personnel qualifications, and lead time capabilities, with ratings assigned on an adjectival scale ranging from Excellent to Unacceptable. The University of California acting as LBNL's managing entity will make award decisions based on best overall value, considering price, performance features, and supplier attributes. Proposals are due by December 19, 2025, with LBNL desiring delivery within 12 months of contract award.

This procurement carries no set-aside designation and identifies no incumbent contractors. The solicitation is classified under NAICS Code 331491 (Nonferrous Metal Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding) with a small business size standard of 900 or fewer employees, and falls under PSC Category 6145 (Wire and Cable, Electrical). No specific budget range or award value has been disclosed in the solicitation materials, remaining marked as "To Be Determined" in the sample subcontract documentation. The total quantity comprises two to three 10 kg billets with a minimum piece-length requirement of 50 meters per wire piece, and the contract will be executed as a subcontract under LBNL's prime contract with the Department of Energy (No. DE-AC02-05CH11231). Work will be performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory located in Berkeley, California 94720, with electronic invoicing required within 30 days of shipment and final invoice submission within 180 days to receive full payment.