110 GHz Cryogenic Coax Cables and Feedthroughs
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting a Sources Sought notice to identify capable providers of 110 GHz Cryogenic Coax Cables and Feedthroughs. This is a Request for Information (RFI) for market research purposes to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy. Responses are due March 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires 110 GHz Cryogenic Coax Cables that feature low thermal conductance (stainless steel or CuNi) thin-diameter coaxial wiring, connectorized with 1 mm (or similar) RF connectors. The requirement also includes infrastructure for installation into an existing dilution refrigerator, specifically a vacuum feedthrough and high thermal conductivity copper plates at each temperature stage.
Key requirements from the Specifications document include:
- Cryogenic-Compatible Coax Cable (Minimum 10): Various lengths, stainless-steel outer, copper or stainless-steel inner, 110 GHz bandwidth rated 1mm connectors.
- Cryogenic-Compatible Coax Cable (Minimum 2): Various lengths, Superconducting Niobium-Titanium (NbTi) outer/inner, 110 GHz bandwidth rated 1mm connectors.
- Hermetic Feedthrough (1 each): KF25 or larger vacuum/hermetic feedthrough with 1mm connectors.
- Non-Hermetic Feedthroughs (4 each): For 50 K, 4 K, still, and mixing chamber stages, with two 1mm feedthroughs each, main plate of OFHC Copper.
Suppliers will collaborate with end-users to determine exact dimensions and lengths.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research for potential small business participation)
- Response Due: March 11, 2026, by 8:00 PM ET
- Published: March 4, 2026
- Anticipated Delivery: 90 days After Receipt of Order (ARO)
- NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Product Service Code: 6625 – Electrical and Electronic Properties Measuring and Testing Instruments
Information Requested from Industry
Respondents are asked to submit information in Microsoft Word or PDF format (12-point font, max 4 pages excluding cover and pricing) to lia.arthofer@nist.gov, including:
- Cover Page: Notice details, Unique Entity ID, company name/address/website, points of contact, validation of company size status under NAICS 334516, and SAM.gov registration status.
- Suggestions: For improving the Specifications document and suggested evaluation factors for award.
- Commercial Pricing: Provide standard commercial pricing information (e.g., catalog pricing) if available.
- Experience & Capability: Describe experience and capability in providing similar 110 GHz Cryogenic Coax Cables.
- Small Business Compliance: If a small business, indicate compliance with FAR clause 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting) for a total small business set-aside.
- Federal Contracts: Indicate if your company holds a GSA Multiple Award Schedule or other federal contract under which NIST could place an order.
Additional Notes
This notice is strictly for market research and is not a solicitation or commitment by NIST. NIST reserves the right to follow up with respondents for additional information. Information provided will be used to assess alternatives and may lead to a future solicitation. Responses received after the closing date may not be considered.