Ultra-low-temperature Optical Cryostat

The Naval Research Laboratory, under the Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research, has issued a Request for Information (RFI N00173-25-RFI-GF37) to gauge industry interest and identify potential sources for an ultra-low-temperature optical cryostat designed for scientific research and optical measurements. The specialized instrument must achieve temperatures below 1.2 Kelvin for minimum 8-hour durations with exceptional temperature stability of less than 10 millikelvin fluctuation, while providing at least 200 microwatts of cooling power and accommodating 30mm diameter samples. Key technical requirements include bidirectional optical access with 19-degree acceptance angle, 12 DC electrical lines, 2 RF microwave lines, closed-cycle refrigeration without liquid cryogen refilling, and computer control compatibility with LabView or Python. Interested vendors must submit 7-page capability statements including technical capabilities, commerciality details, product descriptions, and rough order of magnitude cost estimates. The response deadline is September 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.

This procurement opportunity has no set-aside designation and operates under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing). No incumbent contractors or potential award values are specified in the documentation, as this RFI serves as a market research tool rather than a formal solicitation. The cryostat must feature a compact design positioning samples within 6 inches of a standard optical table, with maximum 3-inch distance between the outermost window and sample, and total cooldown time under 20 hours. Additional specifications require exchangeable windows with anti-reflection coatings for visible, infrared, and potential UV measurements, air-cooled compressors, and complete installation and repair services from the vendor. The government emphasizes that responses will be treated as informational only with no guarantee of future procurement opportunities.