Niobium

The Department of Energy Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking to procure titanium-niobium alloy materials specifically engineered for superconducting radio frequency cavities used in the PIP-II 650 MHz accelerator project. The procurement requires titanium-niobium alloy billets, bars, and rods that meet strict chemical composition specifications, including titanium at 55% minimum with niobium as the remainder, along with controlled impurity levels and mechanical properties verified through ASTM-compliant testing. Key requirements include hardness testing per ASTM E92/E384 standards with acceptable range of 130-170 HV, and tension testing per ASTM E8 demonstrating minimum yield strength of 60,000 psi and minimum tensile strength of 65,000 psi. Suppliers must provide complete material traceability documentation including lot numbers, serial numbers, heat treatment numbers, and certification reports for chemical analysis, hardness testing, and tension testing results. The proposal due date is April 9, 2026, with the solicitation having been posted on March 24, 2026.

This solicitation utilizes no set-aside designations and is being conducted under NAICS code 332710 (Machine Shops) with PSC category AJ13 (General Science & Technology R&D Services). The primary place of performance is Batavia, Illinois 60510. Materials must be supplied with packaging that prevents damage during transportation, with detailed packaging specifications to be coordinated prior to shipment. All finished material testing samples must be taken after all metallurgical processing, including annealing, and before any work hardening processes occur. Suppliers must demonstrate familiarity with ASTM B884-11 (reapproved 2019) and ASTM B265 standards, or provide industry or manufacturer standards for approval by Fermilab. The specific award value and quantity requirements are not disclosed in the available solicitation documents.