TESSERACT Dilution Refrigerator

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), under the Department of Energy, is conducting market research to identify vendors capable of providing specialized dilution refrigeration systems for the TESSERACT dark matter detector project. The procurement involves two identical dilution refrigerators that must achieve base temperatures below 10 mK while operating within complex shielding enclosures to minimize environmental radiation backgrounds. Key technical requirements include supporting substantial mechanical payloads across multiple temperature stages, integrating with narrow-necked shielding geometries, and incorporating internal shielding materials that create significant static loads on critical components. The systems must be designed primarily for French electrical standards, include at least 8 calibrated temperature sensors, and support automated cool-down and warm-up procedures. Vendors must submit their responses by September 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM Pacific time, providing technical literature and specifications that demonstrate compliance with the preliminary requirements to LBNL Procurement Representative Brian Zatkow.

This opportunity does not utilize any set-aside designations and is classified under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 or fewer employees. The procurement involves acquiring two identical units, with one purchased by LBNL and another by Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie in France as part of the international collaboration. The systems must be capable of transportation from UC Berkeley to France around 2028, indicating a multi-year project timeline. No incumbent contractors or potential award values are specified in the current market research phase. This Request for Information is strictly for market research purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to purchase, suggesting that a formal solicitation will follow based on the responses received.