Custom Magneto-resistive Sensors

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 unrestricted. The government is seeking quotations for custom MTJ Sensors as detailed in Attachment 1 (Statement of Work).

• CLIN 0001: Custom MTJ Sensors, as specified in Attachment 1 (Statement of Work).

• Offerors must provide a firm-fixed-price quotation.

• Requirements for delivery, acceptance, and FOB point are detailed in the Statement of Work.

• This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

• The government intends to award a single firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• Submission Deadline: Not later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time, March 26, 2026.

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

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly divided into three volumes:

  • Volume I – Technical Quotation (demonstrating capability and compliance with SOW)
  • Volume II – Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price, including shipping and tariffs)
  • Volume III – Terms and Conditions (addressing any exceptions)

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror. Technical capability must meet or exceed all minimum requirements specified in the SOW. Price reasonableness will also be evaluated.

• Pre-Quote Inquiries: Submit written questions to cielo.ibarra@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov no later than 2 calendar days after issuance.

• This acquisition is solicited as unrestricted.

• Mandatory Requirement: 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.

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

• North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with 1,000 employees.

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

• Quotations must remain valid for 90 days from the due date.

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

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Sensor Science Division requires the fabrication of custom magneto-resistive sensors for use in a scanning magnetic microscope being developed for 3D thermal imaging of semiconductor packages under the CHIPS Metrology Project.

This SOW details the requirements for fabricating custom magneto-resistive sensors based on NIST's specifications. The process will involve initial design drawings from the manufacturer, followed by review and modification before final approval. The sensors will be used for magnetic field detection.

• Sensors: Must be new, bare-die detectors.

• Frequency Range: DC to 100 kHz, with a 1/f knee at or below 1 kHz.

• Field Sensitivity: £1 nT/(Hz)0.5 at 10 kHz and 1 kHz; £10 nT/(Hz)0.5 at 100 Hz.

• Operating Conditions: Must operate in saturation fields up to 100 mT (DC or AC). Acceptable designs include magnetometer, gradiometer, and Wheatstone bridge. Operating temperature: 10 °C – 85 °C.

• Dimensions: Sensor size £ 2 mm x 2 mm; must be placeable within 1 mm of a device under test surface.

• Deliverables: Minimum one wafer of sensors (at least 100 diced chips). Option to quote a second undiced wafer. Multiple designs can be fabricated. Documentation (CAD, measured specs, operation instructions) and 1 year of technical support are required.

• Fabrication Lead Time: 120 days for the sensor wafer after final design approval.

• Delivery: Not later than 140 days ARO (After Receipt of Order), FOB Destination.

• Delivery Location: NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 221, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

• NIST will perform inspection and acceptance testing onsite within 7 business days of receipt.

• Manufacturer must provide CAD drawings and measured specifications before fabrication.

• Representative sensors must be tested by the manufacturer prior to shipping.

• NIST will inspect for damage and compliance with the approved CAD design, followed by performance testing.

• NIST reserves the right to reject non-conforming or damaged supplies.

A minimum of 1 year after acceptance.

100% after inspection and acceptance testing by the NIST TPOC of representative sensors, paid according to Net 30-day terms upon receipt of a proper invoice.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Attachment 2 - Clauses," contains various solicitation provisions and contract clauses that are incorporated by reference. It also provides the full text for some key clauses, such as FAR 52.212-4 "Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services." Bidders must review these provisions and clauses to understand their obligations and requirements if awarded a contract.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (52.252-1): Notifies offerors that provisions are incorporated by reference and provides links to access their full text.
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference (52.252-2): Informs that contract clauses are incorporated by reference and provides links to access their full text.
• List of Incorporated Provisions and Clauses: A comprehensive list of specific FAR and agency-specific clauses and provisions that apply to this solicitation, many with "DEVIATION JAN 2026" indicating recent updates.
• 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 compliance with laws.
• Full Text of Other Provisions: Includes FAR 52.225-6 (Trade Agreements Certificate), FAR 52.225-18 (Place of Manufacture), and FAR 52.240-90 (Security Prohibitions and Exclusions 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 platform.

This document is critical for bidders as it outlines the legal and contractual framework governing the potential award. It details mandatory clauses, representations, and certifications that must be understood and complied with. Bidders should pay close attention to the list of incorporated provisions and clauses, especially those with deviations, and the full text of FAR 52.212-4, as these will form the basis of the contract. Understanding these requirements is essential for preparing a compliant and competitive offer.