Cryogenics Thermometer and Controller

This is a Notice of Proposed Contract Action under FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This notice is for information only; a solicitation will not be issued. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION. No contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334515 with a small business size standard of 750 employees.

The Government requires one (1) Lake Shore Ruthenium Oxide (RuOx) cryogenic thermometer and controller (P/N: RX-102B-RS-0.01B) 102B RTD in RS package, calibrated 10 nK to 40 K to include one (1) Model 372N AC resistance bridge for control and monitoring, in support of RITQ's quantum networking research objectives. 

The following values are required for the RuOx cryogenic thermometer and controller to meet the Government's needs:

QTY: 1

P/N: RX-102B-RS-0.01B:

Required Values:

Calibration:  Pre-calibrated

Calibration accuracy:  Error of ±0.002 Kelvin (2 mK) at 0.02 Kelvin (20 mK)

Lowest measurable temperature:  0.01 Kelvin (10 mK)

Highest measurable temperature:  40 Kelvin

Measurement reproducibility:  Reproducible within ±0.015 Kelvin (15 mK)

Heat dissipation:  75 nanoWatts at 4.2 K

Thermal response time:  0.5 seconds at 4.2 K

Packaging/housing:  Copper housing

Size:  L x W x H = 6.4 mm x 6.4 mm x 14 mm

Mass:  3.5 grams

Monitoring and control:  Control and monitoring hardware available (Model 372N -AC resistance bridge P/N: 372N)

Rated for use in magnetic fields:  No

The Government intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Lake Shore Cyrotronics, Inc., 575 Mccorkle Blvd, Westerville, Ohio  43082-8699

The Government has determined that no other source has commercial offerings that can meet the temperature calibration requirement of 10mK. This requirement is essential to the accuracy of RITQ’s measurements. Additionally, it is believed no other company can satisfy the requirement of calibration range extending to 40K which would ensure the sensor remains accurate even if drive pulses heat the quantum samples. If these items are not procured it will delay transduction experiments that will cause the team to miss program progress targets.

The ultra-low temperature series of RuOx thermometers from Lakeshore Cryotronics are the only available products that will meet the Government’s needs. No competing products have been found to match the superior specifications of Lakeshore Cryotronics' RX-102B-RS-0.01B. Given this information, the Government has determined that no other source can meet this requirement.

This is a notice of proposed contract action and NOT a request for competitive proposals; however, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement or proposal, which shall be considered by the agency. All inquiries should be sent by email to Jennifer.Calandra@us.af.mil. Responses must be submitted by the date/time listed on the notice. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the

Government in future procurements.

Responses received will be evaluated; however a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government anticipates an award date on or before 30 April 2024.

A Sole Source Justification will be attached to the subsequent Notice of Award in accordance with applicable regulation.