CHIPS Microchannel plate gate upgrade module– Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source
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), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a CHIPS Microchannel Plate Gate Upgrade Module. This upgrade is for an existing CAMECA LEAP 4000 X-Si atom probe microscope at NIST Boulder Laboratories. The purpose is to enhance materials characterization efforts, specifically for semiconductor research under the CHIPS for America Act. Responses are due by May 26, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one microchannel plate gate (MCP gate) module upgrade for their LEAP 4000 X-Si atom probe microscope (S/N 5020). The MCP gate must:
- Employ a nanosecond high-voltage pulse to gate the MCP detector.
- Decrease voltage on MCPs to prevent saturation, maintaining high sensitivity.
- Ensure the gate pulse does not affect electric fields in the TOF mass spectrometer flight tube.
- Act as a fast shutter to ignore specific signals in a defined TOF window.
- Allow fast switching of MCP amplification to ignore specific timing events.
- Accommodate pulse frequency rates from 100 kHz to 200 kHz. The upgrade includes necessary hardware (high voltage supply, timing electronics, cables) and full integration with the existing CAMECA LEAP 4000 X-Si instrument, controlled via a NIST-supplied digital delay generator.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: May 26, 2026, by 3:00 PM ET
- Published: May 12, 2026
Market Research & Intent
NIST conducted market research from January to April 2026, concluding that CAMECA Instruments, Inc. (UEI: GE2SRXMY7453) appears to be the only source capable of meeting all requirements and ensuring compatibility with existing CAMECA LEAP equipment. This notice serves as an intent to sole source to CAMECA, while also seeking information from other potential sources.
How to Respond
Interested parties should submit the following information:
- Company name, address, contact details, and UEI (if registered in SAM.gov).
- Details on capabilities meeting or exceeding NIST's minimum requirements.
- Authorization as a reseller, if applicable.
- Identification of any unduly restrictive requirements and suggestions for small business participation.
- Small business status (small or other than small).
- Proposed alternative NAICS code, if applicable.
- Existing Federal Supply Schedule or other contract numbers.
- Firm's experience providing similar products/services.
- Any other valuable information for market research.
- Indicate interest in engaging for further understanding.
Important Notes
This is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. Responses will not be considered proposals or quotations, and NIST will not reimburse costs incurred by respondents.