Nanocrystalline Diamond Reactor System

The Naval Research Laboratory is seeking a Nanocrystalline Diamond Reactor System through solicitation N00173-25-R-MR12, a Request for Proposal under FAR Subpart 13.5. The system must provide uniform plasma coverage over a 4-inch deposition area with diamond thickness uniformity within +/- 10%, featuring a water-cooled copper main stage with an integrated multizone resistively heated molybdenum sample stage capable of reaching 850 degrees Celsius. Key technical requirements include a 3.0 kW microwave power supply, multiple viewports, dual wavelength pyrometer, IR and optical cameras, 6 mass flow controllers, and comprehensive software controls for automated and manual operations. The evaluation will be conducted using a Price/Technical Tradeoff analysis, with Technical Capability as the most important factor, followed by Past Performance, and then Price Reasonableness. Proposals are due September 18, 2025, and vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

This procurement does not utilize any set-aside designation and no incumbent contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. The contract type is Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) with anticipated line items including the reactor system, installation, training, testing, and warranty services, though specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed. Delivery is required within 180 days after contract award, and the vendor must provide two days of on-site installation support followed by a final acceptance test at NRL involving growing a diamond film on a 4-inch silicon substrate for at least 8 hours. Performance will take place at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC 20375. Qualified vendors must operate a facility with at least 5 running CVD diamond reactors and demonstrate a capable service team for ongoing process and hardware support.