3-Axis Motorized Stages

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Part 12. The acquisition is a small business set-aside.

• The primary item to be acquired is "3-Axis Motorized Stages IAW Attachment 1." Specific quantities and unit prices are to be provided by the offeror.

• Detailed requirements are outlined in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment 1).

• This is a firm-fixed-price quotation request.

• Delivery and acceptance dates, and FOB point, are detailed in the Statement of Work.

• Submission Deadline: Electronic quotations must be received by 5:00 PM Eastern Time, April 17, 2026.

• Submission Method: Via email to cielo.ibarra@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Quotation Preparation: Quotations must be clearly written, indexed (or have a Table of Contents), and logically assembled. They must be divided into three volumes:

  • Volume I – Technical Quotation (demonstrating capability to meet SOW requirements with evidence)
  • Volume II – Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price, including shipping and tariffs; valid for 90 days)
  • Volume III – Terms and Conditions (addressing any exceptions to the solicitation's terms)

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible offeror proposing the lowest price that also meets all required technical specifications. Award will be based on the lowest priced, technically acceptable offer. Discussions may not be held.

• Inquiries: Written questions must be submitted to both email addresses listed above no later than 2 calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• This acquisition is solicited as a small business set-aside.

• Offerors must possess an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission, award, performance, and final payment. Failure to maintain an active SAM.gov registration will result in the quotation not being considered for award.

• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (1,000 employees).

• Attachments Referenced: Attachment 1 (Statement of Work), Attachment 2 (Applicable Provisions and Clauses).

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through the RFO.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To design and build a scanning linear stage system for a custom-built magnetic scanning microscope used in a CHIPS project for Thermal 3D Imaging of Advanced Packages.

• Design and fabricate a scanning stage system including:
  • An integrated 3-axis stage stack (XYZ).
  • One additional linear stage for a 4th axis.
  • A motion controller capable of controlling at least 4 axes.
• Stages must be constructed from non-magnetic materials (e.g., aluminum, titanium).
• Stages must incorporate non-magnetic encoders for location data.
• All components must be new; used, remanufactured, experimental, or prototype items are not acceptable.
• "Gray market" components are not acceptable.
• All original manufacturer packaging, documentation, and software must be included.

XYZ Stage Stack (Quantity = 1):

• Travel Ranges: X-stage: 300 mm, Y-stage: 100 mm, Z-stage: >= 50 mm.
• Motion Requirements: Accuracy: 2 µm, Repeatability: 1.5 µm, Smallest step size: 1.5 µm, Maximum velocity: 10 mm/s.
• Z-stage: Must be low-profile lift-type, mounted on top.
• Assembly & Mapping: Must be assembled and calibrated (X and Y directions) by the vendor.
• Physical: Total stack height < 375 mm, must operate with payload up to 4 kg (40 N), non-magnetic body and encoders, imperial unit mounting holes.
• Accessories: All necessary cables and accessories must be included.

Additional Linear Stage (Quantity = 1):

• Travel Range: 75 mm (preferred) or 100 mm.
• Motion Requirements: Smallest step size: 1.5 µm, Maximum velocity: 10 mm/s.

Multi-axis Stage Controller and Drivers (Quantity = 1):

• Capacity: Control at least 4 axes.

• Communication: Ethernet or USB port.

• Software Compatibility: Controllable from LabVIEW, MATLAB, or Python.

• Accessories: All necessary cables and accessories must be included.

• Delivery: Not later than 12 weeks After Receipt of Order (ARO).

• Place of Delivery: NIST Gaithersburg, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 221/B205, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

• Government will inspect for physical damage and evaluate performance (scanning range, repeatability).

• Onsite inspection and acceptance within 14 business days of receipt.

• Government reserves the right to reject nonconforming supplies.

• Minimum of 1 year after receipt of equipment.

• 100% after installation and acceptance by the TPOC of the fully installed system.

• Payment terms: Net 30 days upon receipt and acceptance of a proper invoice.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 2 - Clauses.docx," contains various solicitation provisions and contract clauses that are incorporated by reference into the solicitation or resulting contract. It also provides the full text for some of these provisions and clauses, including FAR 52.212-4 "Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services" and several NIST-specific clauses.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (52.252-1): Alerts offerors that provisions are incorporated by reference and may require completion. Provides links to FAR Overhaul and CAR.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference (52.252-2): Informs that clauses are incorporated by reference and provides links to FAR Overhaul and CAR.
• List of Incorporated Provisions/Clauses: A comprehensive list of FAR clauses and provisions, many with "(DEVIATION JAN 2026)" indicating recent changes or deviations. Key clauses include those related to System for Award Management (SAM), Whistleblower Rights, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations, Trade Agreements, and Equal Opportunity.
• Full Text of FAR 52.212-4: Details terms and conditions for commercial products and services, covering definitions, inspection, acceptance, changes, disputes, payment, termination, warranty, and more.
• Full Text of Other Provisions/Clauses: Includes FAR 52.225-6 (Trade Agreements Certificate), FAR 52.225-18 (Place of Manufacture), FAR 52.240-90 (Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications), and NIST local clauses (NIST LOCAL-53, NIST LOCAL-54, NIST LOCAL-56) related to contract performance during NIST operating status changes, electronic billing, and invoicing processing.

Bidders must carefully review all incorporated provisions and clauses, especially those with deviations. This document dictates many of the terms and conditions that will govern the contract. Offerors need to understand requirements related to SAM registration, certifications, trade agreements, place of manufacture, security prohibitions, and invoicing procedures. The full text of FAR 52.212-4 is critical for understanding the fundamental terms of any commercial item contract awarded under this solicitation. Bidders must ensure their offers comply with all applicable provisions and clauses, and complete any required representations and certifications.