CHIPS R&D Compact Mobile Closed-Cycle Cryostat - 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) has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Compact Mobile Closed-Cycle Cryostat. This equipment is crucial for CHIPS Act R&D to advance metrology for the U.S. semiconductor industry, specifically addressing Grand Challenge 1. NIST intends to award a sole source contract to Attocube Systems GMBH if no other capable sources are identified. Responses are due by June 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a Compact Mobile Closed-Cycle Cryostat for combined optical spectroscopy and electrical measurements. Key specifications include:
- Self-contained with integrated optical breadboard, vacuum pump, and accessories.
- Mobile: Easily rolled by a single individual.
- Water-cooled compressor with >12M helium lines.
- Fully automated temperature control (<5 hours cooldown to 5K).
- Sample Environment: Cryogenic vacuum, >70mm diameter space, easy exchange.
- Ultra-low vibrations at cold plate (<7 nm).
- Temperature Range: <4 K to >300 K, with <20 mK stability.
- Electrical Contacts: >30 required into sample area.
- Sample Positioners: Closed-loop piezo control for X and Y positioning.
- Incorporated Low Temperature Objective: High magnification (50X) apochromatic, operating down to 4K, with specific optical properties (e.g., NA > 0.8, WD > 0.6 mm) and closed-loop piezo Z positioning.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Special Notice)
- NAICS: 334516 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Set-Aside: None (intended sole source)
- Response Due: June 11, 2026, 3:00 PM UTC
- Published: May 28, 2026
- Intended Sole Source: Attocube Systems GMBH (UEI: GUM6Q15FDTG4)
Response Requirements
Interested parties should submit the following information:
- Company name, address, contact details, and UEI (if registered in SAM.gov).
- Details on capability to meet or exceed 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.
- Alternative NAICS code suggestions.
- 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.
Additional Notes
This is for market research and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation or request for quotation. NIST is not responsible for costs incurred by respondents.