Two 2.3K Mechanical Cryocooler Systems

Project ID: NB686100-26-01895 FederalOpportunitiesSources Sought

Overview

Agency	National Institute of Standards and Technology
Deadline	06/15/26
Posted	06/04/26
Estimated Value	$180,000 - $500,000 (AI estimate)
Set Aside	None
NAICS	334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
PSC	6640 - Laboratory Equipment And Supplies
Location	Boulder, CO 80305 United States

Description

Primary Latest Change

Summary

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

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 Two (2) 2.3K Mechanical Cryocooler Systems. 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 two (2) 2.3K Mechanical Cryocooler Systems in the U.S. prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a solicitation. 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, de Ionne Jones, via email at deionne.jones@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.

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research to identify potential vendors capable of supplying Two (2) 2.3K Mechanical Cryocooler Systems. This initiative is part of their mission to enhance measurement science and technology. The goal is to determine eligible business firms that can meet the requirements for this specific product prior to the acquisition process. Work Details The requirement includes two complete mechanical cryocooler systems, each comprising a compressor, hoses, and coldhead for cooling electronics and optics to a temperature of 2.3K. Each system must be compatible with existing cryostats designed for a Sumitomo RDK-101DL cryocooler or equivalent in dimensions and specifications. Key specifications include: - Base temperature capability: 2.3K or colder - Cooling power: 0.1W or greater at 4.2K - Each system must include: - A small, 120VAC-powered, air-cooled compressor with approximately 10 feet of flexible helium lines - Cold head matching the standard size and dimensions of the Sumitomo RDK-101DL. Phased delivery is acceptable, with each mechanical cooler delivered as a complete unit. Period of Performance The geographic location(s) the product will be delivered to or performed at. Place of Performance The systems will be installed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), specifically within the Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML), Applied Physics Division. Bidder Requirements Vendors must provide information including: - Name of the company providing the product(s) - Name of the manufacturing company - Country of origin for the product - Specification/data sheets demonstrating experience in meeting procurement requirements - Typical lead time for delivery after receipt of order. Responses should also indicate if they are a small business as NIST may consider small business set-aside opportunities based on responses. Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail) This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent based on contract 1333ND24PNB680104, awarded to Sumitomo (Shi) Cryogenics Of America for $85,451 (03/25/24–10/28/24) covering “3 mechanical cryocooler systems.” The prior work is likely a continuation because the current requirement is for two 2.3K mechanical cryocooler systems with compressor/coldhead configurations compatible with existing Sumitomo RDK-101DL cryocoolers, which aligns closely with the earlier mechanical cryocooler system supply.

Contacts