BPM Cables (Semi Rigid) for ALS-U

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides a response to a bidder's question regarding the number of proposals the government intends to accept for RFP AA-2026-04.

• Question: The bidder inquired whether the government requires 2 or 3 bids to satisfy its requirements and asked if other suppliers were submitting quotes for the same proposal.
• LBNL Response: LBNL will accept proposals from suppliers for a single award that includes all items, including optional items.

This clarification confirms that the government is seeking a single award and will consider proposals that encompass all stated items and options. It does not appear to alter any submission deadlines or evaluation criteria.

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

This SOW defines the procurement of critical Beam Position Monitor (BPM) jumper cable assemblies for the upgraded Storage Ring (SR) at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Advanced Light Source (ALS-U) project. These cables are essential for transmitting high-frequency signals from BPM pickups with minimal loss and distortion for accurate beam position measurement.

• Manufacture, assemble, test, label, document, and deliver approximately 1,120 high-frequency, low-loss semi-rigid 141 coaxial cable assemblies with right-angle SMA connectors.

• Assemblies must be suitable for accelerator environments and withstand vacuum bake-out temperatures up to 200 °C without degradation.

• Key requirements include precisely controlled impedance and phase matching (+-10 picosecond), low insertion loss (S21 > 0.97 from 0.05 – 18 GHz), non-magnetic properties (µ ≤ 1.08), and right-angle SMA connectors rated up to 200 °C.

• Sourcing and use of low-loss semi-rigid PTFE 141 cable and right-angle SMA connectors conforming to specified standards.

• Performing 100% production testing per the Acceptance Criteria List (ACL).

• Primary Deliverables: 1,120 tested and accepted cable assemblies.

• Supporting Deliverables: First Article Inspection Report (FAIR), test results, shipping documents.

• Specific cable lengths include 525 mm, 650 mm, and an optional range of 525-725 mm.

• Delivery Schedule:

  • First Article: Within 6 weeks ARO (After Receipt of Order) or sooner.
  • Production Batch 1: Within 6 weeks or sooner upon first article approval.
  • Production Batch 2: Within 12 weeks following completion and approval of Hold Point 2.

• Hold Points: Two hold points are established for LBNL inspection and testing of the first article and batch 1 deliveries.

• Impedance and phase matching: +-10 picosecond.

• Insertion Loss: S21 > 0.97 and +- 0.0015 at 500MHz.

• Magnetic permeability: µ ≤ 1.08.

• Temperature rating: Up to 200 °C.

• 100% production testing required.

• Quality Assurance: Subcontractor must maintain an effective QA program. Deviation and nonconformance reports are required.

• Documentation: Electronic submission of all required documentation via a Windchill Project portal.

• Factory Inspection and Test Plan: Supplier must perform and document 100% testing, including visual/label inspection, length verification, insertion loss measurement, magnetic permeability verification, and connector/termination quality verification.

• Applicable Documents: SR BPM Jumper Cable Acceptance Criteria List (ACL) AL-1816-4231.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Subcontract, specifically a fixed-price subcontract for the manufacturing of printed circuit assemblies. It outlines the terms, conditions, and ordered items for the agreement between The Regents of the University of California and the Subcontractor.

• Ordered Items: Details specific part numbers (e.g., SMR141-525MM, SMR141-650MM) with quantities for a "First Article" and "Production Batch 1." It also includes "Production Batch 2" as an option with varying quantities based on price tiers.
• Optional Lengths: For Item #5 (Production Batch 2), optional lengths are provided with unit prices based on quantity ranges (0-100, 101-200, etc.).
• Pricing: The total fixed price for lines 1 through 4 is listed as $TBD. Pricing for optional lengths is also TBD.
• Delivery Schedule: Delivery is to be expressed as a hard calendar date for specified items.
• Acceptance Criteria: Acceptance is based on successful completion of acceptance test criteria per the Statement of Work (SOW) AL-1873-9868 Rev. B.
• Electrical Device Certification: All electrical equipment must be NRTL listed, labeled, and certified.
• Notice to Proceed: A formal written Notice to Proceed (NTP) is required before work commences, especially beyond any hold points.
• Payment Terms: Invoices are payable within 15 days of receipt, with full payment due after all acceptance requirements are satisfied.
• Options: The University reserves the right to exercise options for additional items within 15 weeks after Production Batch 1 delivery.
• Subcontract Administration: Details procedures for notices, requests, modifications, and the role of the Technical Representative.
• Shipping Requirements: Terms are FOB Destination, freight prepaid. Shipments are to be made via Subcontractor's vehicles or a licensed carrier. The shipping address is provided.
• Reports: Periodic reports are required as identified in the SOW.
• Technical Data Approval: Procedures for submitting and approving technical data are outlined.
• Preliminary Inspection: The University reserves the right to conduct preliminary inspections.
• Environmentally Preferable Products: Requirements for using sustainable and EPA-designated products are included.
• First Article Approval: A process for the delivery and approval of the first article is detailed.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it defines the specific items to be manufactured, the quantities, pricing structure (though currently TBD), delivery expectations, acceptance criteria, and administrative requirements. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the scope of work, contractual obligations, and compliance requirements for manufacturing printed circuit assemblies.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Representation & Certification Form (AA-2026-04) that must be completed, signed, and returned as part of the Offeror's proposal. It requires bidders to provide information and certifications related to various aspects of their business and compliance with federal regulations.

• Offeror Information: Legal name, TIN, UEI, parent company, affiliates, place of performance, number of employees, type of organization (domestic/foreign), and eligibility designations for higher education programs.
• Small Business Program Representations: Certifications regarding status as a small business, small disadvantaged business (SDB), women-owned small business (WOSB), economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB), veteran-owned small business (VOSB), service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), 8(a) concern, HUBZone small business, and participation in Mentor-Protégé programs. Includes NAICS code (334419) and size standard (750 employees).
• Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports: Representations regarding participation in previous contracts subject to Equal Opportunity clauses and submission of compliance reports.
• Affirmative Action Compliance: Representations regarding the development and maintenance of affirmative action programs.
• Compliance with Veterans' Employment Reporting Requirements: Representation for offers over $250,000 regarding VETS-4212 reports.
• Certification and Disclosure on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions: Certification regarding the use of federal funds for influencing federal transactions.
• Certification on Responsibility Matters: Certifications regarding debarment, suspension, proposed debarment, criminal convictions, civil judgments, indictments, delinquent Federal taxes, and contract terminations for default.
• Representations by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or Felony Conviction: Specific representations for corporations.
• Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (FAPIIS): Representations concerning active Federal contracts and grants and any related proceedings in FAPIIS.
• Certification Regarding Tax Matters: Certifications regarding filing Federal tax returns, criminal convictions under the IRC, and unpaid Federal tax assessments.
• Buy American Act Certification: Certification regarding domestic end products and construction materials.
• Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software: Representation regarding the withholding or delivery of limited rights data or restricted computer software.
• Export Controlled Item Classification: Information required for export-controlled products.
• Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment: Representations related to Section 889 of the NDAA.
• Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation: Further representations regarding covered telecommunications equipment or services.
• Biobased Product and Recovered Material Certification: Certifications related to biobased products and recovered materials.

Bidders must complete and submit this form with their proposal. Failure to provide accurate and complete information may render the Offeror nonresponsible or lead to contract termination. The specific representations required will help the government assess the Offeror's eligibility, responsibility, and compliance with various federal regulations.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Proposal (RFP) from the University of California, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) seeks proposals for "Beam Position Monitor – Semi Rigid Cables." The resulting award will be a subcontract under LBNL's prime contract with the Department of Energy (DOE).

• The core requirement is to provide Beam Position Monitor – Semi Rigid Cables as detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW) AL-1873-9868.

• Offerors must demonstrate the ability to meet technical specifications, deliver on schedule, possess adequate manufacturing capabilities, have a history of producing similar products, and maintain a robust Quality Assurance program.

• The estimated term for the ordered items is to be confirmed as hard calendar dates in the resulting subcontract.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 334419, Other Electronic Component Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 750 employees.

• Offeror Questions Due: April 17, 2026, by 3 PM Pacific Time.

• Proposals Due: April 27, 2026, by 3 PM Pacific Time.

• Proposals must be submitted via email to AAnoop@lbl.gov.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on a combination of price, performance features, and supplier attributes, aiming for the best overall value to the University. The evaluation criteria are listed in relative order of importance: Ability to Meet Technical Requirements, Delivery & Schedule, Manufacturing Capabilities and Capacity, Past Performance Producing Similar Products, and Quality Assurance.

• The University reserves the right to award to other than the lowest price offeror.

• Offerors must complete the Small Business Program Representations clause.

• Specific clauses regarding small business status and potential penalties for misrepresentation are included.

• Proposals must be valid for 90 days from the due date.

• The University will not reimburse firms for proposal preparation costs.

• Offerors must accept the terms and conditions of the Sample Subcontract, with exceptions to be clearly identified and justified.

• Export control classification information is required.

• The Buy American Act applies, requiring domestic end products unless specific exceptions are met.

• Information regarding tariffs and Sherman Antitrust Act provisions is included.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Acceptance Criteria Listing (ACL) Form (Document Number: AL-1816-4231, Revision C) for the SR BPM Jumper Cable. It outlines the specific criteria and tests required for the acceptance of these cables as part of the Advanced Light Source (ALS) Upgrade Project at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

• Part Name: Low-loss semi-rigid 141
• Quantity: 1,120
• Level of Care: High
• Acceptance Criteria:
  • Visual inspection for correct labeling, specifications, and absence of damage.
  • Length verification using TDR (within +-10 ps).
  • Measurement of S21 coefficient using VNA (>= 0.97 and +-0.0015 at 500 MHz).
  • Measurement of magnetic permeability (µ ≤ 1.08).
  • Verification of connector type and termination quality using TDR.
• Verification Entity: Beam Diagnostics

This ACL details the specific quality and performance standards that the SR BPM Jumper Cables must meet. Bidders involved in supplying or manufacturing these cables should use this document to understand the exact testing and acceptance requirements. It specifies the technical parameters, tolerances, and inspection procedures that will be used to verify compliance, directly impacting product design, manufacturing, and quality control processes.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Price Proposal Schedule, Attachment A for RFP AA-2026-04. It outlines the pricing structure for Beam Position Monitor - Semi Rigid Cables.

• Itemized Pricing: Details specific part numbers (e.g., SMR141-525MM, SMR141-650MM) with quantities for initial articles and production batches.
• Delivery Schedules: Requires bidders to indicate both a standard and an expedited delivery schedule (hard calendar dates).
• Options Table: Provides a tiered pricing structure for different lengths of cables (525MM-575MM, 576MM-625MM, etc.) based on quantity ranges (0-100, 101-200, etc.). This table is for options that may be added and exercised during the subcontract period.
• Expedited Delivery Information: Bidders must specify if expedited delivery is available, provide the revised timeline, and any associated incremental costs. If not available, they must state "Not Available."
• Certification: The signature on the submission certifies the offered price. Bidders are instructed to check Excel formulas for accuracy.

This attachment is critical for bidders to understand the pricing requirements for the specified cables. It details the structure for both standard and optional quantities, including the need to provide delivery timelines and pricing for expedited options. Accurate completion and submission of this schedule are essential for proposal evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Past Performance Reference Information Form" which bidders must complete for each reference contract. It is designed to collect detailed information about the offeror's past performance on previous contracts.

• Offeror Information: Name and UEI of the submitting offeror.

• Reference Contract Details: Client name, entity awarded the contract (including member companies), contract number, title, period of performance, contract type, total value, and value performed to date.

• Client Point of Contact: Information for the Contracting Officer (or equivalent) and potentially the Project Director or COR.

• Complexity: Description of the scope, difficulty, similarity to the current work, and any problems encountered with creative solutions.

• Safety Statistics: Information on the offeror's and subcontractors' safety records, including EMR for the last three years and any OSHA/Cal-OSHA citations received within the past three years.

• The form is limited to 3 pages per reference contract.

• Offerors may amend the format but must retain the exact information, font, size, and page limitations.

• Failure to disclose safety violations can lead to non-responsiveness or default.

This form is critical for bidders to document their past performance. Accurate and complete submission of this form is essential for proposal evaluation and compliance with solicitation requirements. Bidders must gather detailed information regarding contract execution, client satisfaction, and safety records for each reference contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "ALS-U supplier quality evaluation survey" (Document Number: AL-1208-0209, Revision: C) from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Its purpose is to assess a supplier's Quality Assurance (QA) processes and their compliance with applicable requirements and standards. The survey serves as a basis for evaluating a company's QA processes, and may lead to additional requests for documentation or an onsite evaluation.

• Company Overview: Requires information on company profile, project manager, production manager, quality manager, total QA/QC employees, and third-party inspectors.
• Certifications, Registrations, and Awards: Asks for a list of relevant certifications (e.g., ISO 9000, Mil-Specs, Six Sigma), calibration program standards, and other applicable licensing or qualification programs.
• Quality Management System Administration: Inquires about the existence and details of QMS/QAP, QA Program Manual, QA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training records, audit processes, and document change control.
• QA/QC for Purchased Items: Seeks information on the use of MRP/ERP systems, tracking of Certificates of Conformance (COCs), supplier qualification processes, site visit protocols for QC, and inspection of received materials.
• Process QA and Control: Covers general practices for status reporting, modification requests, change control, identification of nonconforming materials, rework procedures, and non-conformance reporting.
• Production QA: Addresses calibration records, equipment maintenance records, manufacturing inspection plans (MIPs), system updates, documentation of in-process tasks, and provision of final product COCs.
• Subcontracts (Optional): Asks about capabilities for producing shop drawings and design tooling, CAD platforms, and the ability to convert specifications into shop instructions.

Potential bidders must complete this survey to demonstrate their company's quality assurance capabilities and compliance. The responses and any supporting documentation provided in the appendices (A through D) will be used by LBNL to evaluate the bidder's suitability for the opportunity. Failure to adequately address the survey requirements may impact a bidder's ability to be considered.