Dilution Refrigerator

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the Department of Commerce, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify potential vendors capable of providing one dilution refrigerator for delivery to its Boulder, Colorado facility. The equipment will support quantum sensors development and quantum information science research initiatives within NIST's Quantum Sensors Division. Key technical requirements include a base temperature of 10 mK or lower, 200 micro watts of cooling power at 100 mK, cryogen-free operation, and the ability to accommodate multiple simultaneous experiments with a sample volume capable of hosting a 10-inch diameter sphere. Vendors must demonstrate compliance with safety programs, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing capabilities, with responses evaluated based on company background, technical specifications, pricing information, and manufacturing location. Interested parties must submit their responses by December 23, 2025, in Microsoft Word or PDF format with a maximum of 10 pages, with this notice not constituting a commitment or obligation on the part of NIST.

This opportunity carries no set-aside designation and is open to both small and other than small businesses under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing). No incumbent contractor or previous award value has been identified in the available documentation. The procurement involves a single unit with an anticipated nine-month delivery timeline following order receipt, representing a specialized scientific equipment acquisition rather than an ongoing service contract. The market research responses will inform NIST's acquisition strategy and may lead to a formal solicitation posted on sam.gov or through GSA ebuy. While specific budget information is not disclosed in the notice, the technical sophistication and specialized nature of dilution refrigerators suggest a substantial procurement value consistent with advanced research laboratory instrumentation.