Sources Sought Optical Access Dilution Refrigerator
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
A newer solicitation was posted. See the latest solicitation from .
- Solicitation number
- NB686100-26-02139
- Agency
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Department of Commerce
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- PSC
- 6640 Laboratory Equipment And Supplies
- Place of performance
- Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
- Points of contact
-
- Angela Hitt angela.hitt@nist.gov (303) 497-7305
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research for an Optical Access Dilution Refrigerator to support a potential commercial product purchase, with sources sought responses due by July 17, 2026. This is not a Request for Proposals or Quotation; NIST will use the results to determine acquisition method and eligibility for small business set-asides. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified that meet specifications, the subsequent solicitation will be set aside for small business.
The cryogenic system will be located at NIST-Boulder, Mail Stop 686.04, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305. NIST requires an established commercial product—new, not refurbished—capable of cooling superconductive circuits, optical quantum dots, and acoustical resonators below 15 millikelvin with free-space optical access. The system must be cryogen-free post-delivery with a pulse tube cooler delivering greater than 1.3 watts cooling power at 4.2 kelvin and demonstrated cooling power exceeding 250 microwatts at 100 millikelvin. The mixing chamber must provide an experimental volume larger than 250 millimeters in height and greater than 125 millimeters in diameter. Technical specifications include a water-cooled compressor with flexible lines at least five meters long, no oil-based pumps in the helium-circulation path, automated cooldown software achieving full temperature in 24 hours without a magnet and 15 hours when fully wired, and specialized microwave and DC wiring with low-noise amplification capability. Optional upgrades include a superconducting vector magnet and cryogenic circulators. The manufacturer must provide on-site installation, training, and a one-year warranty, with delivery expected six months after order.
Respondents must indicate the country of manufacture. NIST will post a formal solicitation on sam.gov following market research analysis.
Notice text
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Acquisition Management Division
Sources Sought for Commercial Product Purchase
THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION.
It is a market research tool being used to determine potential and eligible business firms that can provide the product described herein prior to determining the method of acquisition.
The National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) seeks information on vendors that can provide an Optical Access Dilution Refrigerator per the specifications attached herein.
This announcement is not a Request for Proposals or Quotes (RFP/RFQ) and does not commit the Government to award a contract now or in the future. The information contained in this notice is DRAFT only and, as such, is subject to change prior to the issuance of a solicitation. No solicitation is available currently. Additionally, the Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources because of this Sources Sought announcement. The results of this Sources Sought will be utilized to determine if any Small Business Set-aside opportunities exist. All Small Business Set-aside categories will be considered. In addition, this market research tool is being used to identify potential and eligible firms, of all sizes, who manufacture the Optical Access Dilution Refrigerator in the U.S. prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a solicitation. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT COUNTRY MANUFACTURES THIS PRODUCT.
After the results of this market research are obtained and analyzed, NIST may conduct a competitive or non-competitive procurement on the System for Award Management (sam.gov) and subsequently award a contract. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified during this market research stage that can fulfill the requirement, in accordance with the Specifications, then this acquisition shall be solicited as a small business set aside, however, NIST is seeking responses from ALL responsible sources, including large and small businesses. Responses should include the country where the product is manufactured.
This requirement is assigned a NAICS code of 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.
Interested business organizations that believe they can meet the requirements should submit electronic copies of their capability statement. Please limit responses to four (4) pages or less. Responses should include the following information:
- Name of the company that will provide the product(s).
- Name of the company that will manufacture the product.
- County of origin or manufacture of the product.
- Spec/data sheets and examples of products that meet the specifications that demonstrate experience in meeting the requirements of this procurement.
- Typical lead time to deliver the product after receipt of order
- Any other relevant information that is not listed above that the Government should consider in developing its minimum specifications and finalizing its market research.
(Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered.)
Any proprietary information should be so marked. The written capability statement should be received by the Contract Specialist, Angela Hitt via email at angela.hitt@nist.gov no later than the date and time posted in this notice. No quotes will be accepted at this time and will not be considered.
REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW:
See the attached Requirements and Specifications document
Attachments
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| NB686100-26-02139 Requirements and Specifications.pdf |
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Access Dilution Refrigerator | Solicitation | |
| Sources Sought Optical Access Dilution Refrigerator | Pre-Solicitation |
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