Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for Pressure-Based Flow Control System

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial products or services, specifically a Pressure-based Flow Control System. The acquisition is being solicited as unrestricted.

• CLIN 0001: Pressure-based Flow Control System in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW).

• CLIN 0002: Transportation and other related expenses for shipment to the United States of America.

• Detailed requirements are provided in the attached Statement of Work (SOW) document.

• Contract type: Firm-fixed-price purchase order (PO).

• Award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable quoter.

• Submission Deadline: Not later than 10:00 am Eastern Time (ET) on May 7, 2026.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to nina.lin@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

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

  • Volume I – Technical Quotation (addressing approach, capability, and adherence to SOW requirements with evidence).
  • Volume II – Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for each line item, including shipping costs; valid for 90 days).
  • Volume III – Terms and Conditions (completing required information from Attachment 2).

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible quoter who meets all required technical specifications and proposes the lowest price. Technical quotations are evaluated on a pass/fail basis, starting with the lowest-priced offer.

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Written questions must be submitted via email to both the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer no later than 4 calendar days after the solicitation issuance date.

• NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

• Registration: Quoters must have 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 active registration will result in the quotation not being considered for award.

• Incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through the RFO, supplemented by U.S. Department of Commerce Acquisition Policy.

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

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

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires a pressure-based flow control system to support high-precision flow-based measurements within a microscale measurement system. This system is critical for developing microscale measurement technology for detecting and classifying critical minerals in semiconductor manufacturing waste streams.

The contractor shall deliver one pressure-based flow control system, including necessary software and warranty. The system must provide highly accurate control of pressure (and/or vacuum) over liquid reservoirs to drive stable, pulseless liquid flows. Key components include:

• A pressure control module with 4 outputs and 2 inputs, capable of specific pressure ranges and stability.

• Flow sensors for low, medium, and high flow ranges with specified accuracy.

• Switching microvalves (two 3/2-way and two 2/2-way).

• Four 50 mL fluid reservoirs with associated fittings and connectors.

• Software for complete pressure control, real-time plotting, and interface with Matlab and Python. The software must be installable without internet access and compatible with Windows 11.

• Pressure stability: 0.015% FS (Channels 1-2), 0.005% FS (Channel 3), 0.007% FS (Channel 4).

• Response and settling times: ~50 ms.

• Flow sensor accuracy: +/- 10% (below 1.5 µL/min), +/- 5% (1 to 7 µL/min), +/- 5% (0 to 1 mL/min).

• Flow rate recording: > 10 Hz.

• Lead time for delivery: No later than 8 weeks after receipt of order (ARO).

• Fabrication: Contractor's facility.

• Installation & Training: NIST Gaithersburg, MD facility (if remote training is not feasible).

• All equipment must be new, not experimental, prototype, or custom.

• "Gray market" components are not acceptable.

• Original manufacturer packaging, documentation, and software are required.

• Contractor shall provide installation instructions and facilitate initial training (onsite or remote).

• A 12-month limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship is required.

• Contractor is responsible for all travel expenses, if applicable.

• Contractor must comply with NIST safety and security regulations, including identification badge and vehicle registration requirements.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 2 Applicable Provisions and Clauses," lists and incorporates by reference numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Manual (CAR) provisions and clauses. It also includes some clauses in full text. These provisions and clauses govern the terms and conditions of the contract, including requirements for offerors and contractors.

• Provisions Incorporated by Reference: These are standard clauses that apply to the solicitation and resulting contract. Offerors are responsible for understanding and complying with these, and may need to complete specific sections or representations. Key provisions include those related to System for Award Management (SAM), Buy American, Trade Agreements, and various prohibitions and certifications.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Similar to provisions, these clauses are part of the contract terms. Examples include Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements, and Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer.
• Clauses Incorporated by Full Text: FAR 52.212-4, "Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services," is included in full text. This clause details definitions, inspection/acceptance, changes, disputes, payment terms, termination conditions, warranties, and other critical contract terms.
• Specific Provisions: Includes FAR 52.225-2 (Buy American Certificate), FAR 52.225-18 (Place of Manufacture), and FAR 52.240-90 (Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications), which require specific offeror representations and certifications.
• Agency-Specific Clauses: Includes NIST local clauses related to contract performance during changes in NIST operating status, electronic billing instructions, and invoicing processing platforms.

Bidders must carefully review all incorporated provisions and clauses to understand their obligations and requirements. This document is critical for accurately preparing proposals, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and contractual terms, and understanding the terms of the potential contract. Specific attention should be paid to representations and certifications required, especially those related to SAM, Buy American, and security prohibitions. The full text of FAR 52.212-4 provides essential details on contract administration and performance.