Dilution Refrigerator

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial products or services, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. The government is procuring a "Dilution Refrigerator IAW Attachment #1 Statement of Requirements" which includes installation, training, and all shipping costs. The acquisition is being solicited as full and open.

• CLIN 0001: Dilution Refrigerator, including installation, training, and all shipping costs (FOB Destination).

• Detailed requirements are specified in Attachment #1: Statement of Requirements.

• Quotations must demonstrate technical capability by providing detailed documentation, including citations linking proposed items to specific requirements in the Statement of Requirements. Evidence of manufacturer authorization is required if applicable.

• Past performance of up to three relevant projects within the last three years is required.

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

• The solicitation is subject to Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-06 and the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO).

• Due Date: March 27, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to Angela.Hitt@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Inquiries: Submit written questions to Angela.Hitt@nist.gov no later than 10 calendar days after issuance, using Attachment 4 – Questions and Answers.

• Quotation Structure: Must be divided into three volumes: Volume I – Technical Quotation, Volume II – Price Quotation, and Volume III – Terms and Conditions.

• Evaluation Factors (in descending order of importance): Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price.

• The government may award without discussions based on initial quotes.

• NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

• Size Standard: 1,000.

• 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.

• Incorporated provisions and clauses are through FAC 2025-06 and RFO, supplemented by Department of Commerce Acquisition Policy.

• Attachments referenced: #1 Statement of Requirements, #2 Applicable Provisions and Clauses, #3 Past Performance Questionnaire, #4 Question and Answer.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 1-Statement of Requirements," details the technical specifications and requirements for a dilution refrigerator to be procured by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Quantum Sensors Division. It outlines the necessary features, performance standards, and deliverables for potential vendors.

Background: NIST requires a state-of-the-art dilution refrigerator for research in quantum sensors and quantum information science, capable of supporting multiple experiments, including wafer-scale experiments, at temperatures between 10 mK and 100 mK.

Minimum Requirements:

• Base Temperature: 10 mK or lower.
• Cooling Power: 200 µW or greater at 100 mK.
• Vibration: <5 nm RMS displacement at base temperature.
• Cooldown Time: <20 hours (without magnetic shielding), <36 hours (with magnetic shielding).
• Sample Volume: Sufficient for two 20 cm diameter experimental packages.
• Physical Size: Must fit within specific height constraints (210 cm doors, 213 cm installed height).
• Radiation & Magnetic Shielding: Required for multiple stages, with easy access.
• X-ray and Gamma Ray Access: Two configurable locations with ISO100 flanges.
• Optical Fiber Access: Room temperature to base temperature, FC/APC connections, supporting 405 nm light, with expansion capability.
• Coaxial RF Cables: Eight low thermal-conductance lines (expandable to 16), SMA feedthroughs, superconducting coax below 3 K, and mounting for HEMT and Cryoelec amplifiers.
• DC Wiring: 48 low thermal conductivity twisted pairs (expandable to 72).
• Cryogen Free Operation: No liquid cryogens required.
• Gas Handling System (GHS): Fully automated, including dry roots blower for He circulation.
• Remote Control: Python-based control via Ethernet.

Deliverables: Lab Layout Design, Dilution Refrigerator, Installation and Training.

Warranty: One (1) year basic warranty covering parts, labor, and software.

Installation & Training: Vendor to install at NIST Boulder site and train at least two NIST personnel.

This document serves as the primary technical specification for the dilution refrigerator. Bidders must carefully review all minimum requirements, performance standards, and deliverable expectations to determine their ability to meet NIST's needs and to formulate their proposals. Key areas for attention include the stringent temperature, cooling power, and vibration requirements, as well as the specific needs for sample volume, access ports, fiber optics, and RF/DC wiring. The delivery terms (FOB Destination) and place of performance (NIST Boulder, CO) are also critical. The document also outlines the acceptance standards and inspection process.

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

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires a state-of-the-art dilution refrigerator to support research in quantum sensors development and quantum information science. The objective is to increase throughput for experiments at millikelvin temperatures, including wafer-scale device screening, and enhance capabilities for novel detector development.

The vendor shall deliver a dilution refrigerator system meeting specified technical requirements. This includes FOB Destination delivery, training, and a one-year warranty. Key technical specifications include:

• Base Temperature: 10 mK or lower.

• Cooling Power: 200 µW or greater at 100 mK.

• Vibration: <5 nm RMS displacement at base temperature.

• Cooldown Time: <20 hours (without magnetic shielding), <36 hours (with magnetic shielding).

• Sample Volume: Sufficient for two 20 cm diameter experimental packages, with preference for larger volumes if cooldown time is not significantly impacted.

• Physical Size: Installable in spaces with 210 cm high doors and 213 cm ceiling clearance for utilities.

• Radiation Shields: For 40 K, 3 K, and still stages, easily removable by one person.

• Magnetic Shielding: >100x reduction of ambient fields at the sample space.

• X-ray/Gamma Ray Access: Two configurable locations with ISO100 flanges.

• Optical Fiber Access: Room temperature to base temperature, FC/APC terminated, supporting 405 nm light, with expansion capability for two additional fibers.

• Coaxial RF Cables: Eight low thermal-conductance coax lines (SMA feedthroughs), with expansion to 16 total. Includes provision for HEMT amplifiers at 3 K and Cryoelec amplifiers at 40 K.

• DC Wiring: 48 low thermal conductivity twisted pairs to base temperature, expandable to 72.

• Cryogen-Free Operation: No liquid cryogens (helium or nitrogen) required for operation or cold traps.

• Gas Handling System (GHS): Fully automated, including dry roots blower for He circulation. Metal seals preferred.

• Dilution Unit: Constructed to minimize leaks, avoiding solder joints and acid residue.

• Thermometry: Calibrated thermometers for key stages, with feedback control for base temperature stability <100 µK RMS.

• Remote Control: Ability for external Python code to control operations via Ethernet.

• Lead Time: 9 months after receipt of order.

• Place of Performance: NIST site at 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO, 80305.

• Warranty: One (1) year basic warranty covering parts, labor, travel, software, and performance.

• Installation: Vendor shall install the unit at NIST Boulder, train at least two NIST personnel, and replicate factory performance.

• Delivery Terms: F.O.B Destination to NIST Boulder.

• Inspection & Acceptance: NIST will perform performance tests and visual inspections. Acceptance testing includes verifying base temperature, cooling power, cooldown time, automated controls, and physical dimensions. NIST reserves the right to forego performance tests. Acceptance within 14 days of receipt.

• Payment Schedule: Vendor may proffer a payment schedule; partial advance payment is acceptable. Partial shipments/invoices not accepted unless pre-approved.

• Lab Layout Design (CAD files, connectivity details): Due 3 months from PO.

• Dilution Refrigerator: Due 9 months from PO.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire (Form PPQ) intended for clients to evaluate a contractor's performance on a specific project. It is designed to be completed by the client and submitted back to the offeror, who will then include it with their proposal. This questionnaire helps the government assess performance risk.

• Contractor Information: Details about the contractor, contract number, type, dates, and price.
• Project Description: A section for the contractor to describe the project's complexity and relevance to the current submission.
• Client Information: Details about the client completing the questionnaire.
• Client's Role: Description of the client's involvement in the project.
• Performance Ratings: A detailed rating system (Excellent, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory, Not Applicable) across multiple categories:
  • Quality (technical data, standards, problem resolution, quality control)
  • Schedule/Timeliness of Performance (compliance, resource utilization)
  • Customer Satisfaction (end-user satisfaction, cooperation, businesslike conduct)
  • Management/Personnel/Labor (on-site management, workforce, property control, expertise, small business utilization, multi-project management, change assimilation)
  • Cost/Financial Management (meeting terms, innovative methods, invoicing, accounting system, terminations, financial problems)
  • Safety/Security (environment, compliance)
  • General (emergency response, contractual compliance, likelihood to rehire, overall rating)
• Narrative Remarks: Space for clients to provide specific strengths, weaknesses, deficiencies, or other comments.

Bidders should ensure their clients are aware of this questionnaire and understand the importance of providing a thorough and accurate evaluation. The completed questionnaire directly contributes to the past performance evaluation, which is a critical factor in determining award. Bidders may also use this form to gather feedback for future proposals and to understand how their performance is perceived.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 2 - Applicable Provisions and Clauses," lists and incorporates by reference numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) provisions and clauses. These provisions and clauses are essential for understanding the terms and conditions that will govern any resulting contract. Bidders must review these to ensure compliance and to understand their rights and obligations.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference: These are provisions that apply to the solicitation phase and may require bidder action or representation (e.g., FAR 52.203-11, FAR 52.204-7, FAR 52.212-1).
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: These are clauses that will be part of the resulting contract, outlining terms for performance, payment, and other contractual aspects (e.g., FAR 52.203-13, FAR 52.212-4, FAR 52.232-33).
• Full Text Provisions: Several key provisions are provided in full text, including:
  • FAR 52.209-1 Qualification Requirements: Details requirements for qualification before award.
  • FAR 52.209-5 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters: Requires offerors to certify their responsibility status.
  • FAR 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or Felony Conviction: Requires specific corporate representations.
  • FAR 52.216-21 Requirements: Defines the nature of a requirements contract.
  • FAR 52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations: Outlines representations related to small business status.
  • FAR 52.225-6 Trade Agreements Certificate: Requires certification regarding U.S.-made or designated country end products.
  • FAR 52.225-18 Place of Manufacture: Requires indication of the place of manufacture for statistical purposes.
• Agency-Specific Clauses (CAR): Includes agency-specific clauses such as CAR 1352.233-70 (Agency Protest) and CAR 1352.233-71 (GAO and Court of Federal Claims Protest), and CAR 1352.246-70 (Place of Acceptance).
• NIST Local Clauses: Includes specific NIST instructions for customs, delivery, marking/packing, and performance during changes in NIST operational status.

Bidders must carefully review all incorporated provisions and clauses, paying close attention to those requiring specific representations, certifications, or actions. Failure to comply with these requirements can impact proposal acceptability and responsibility determinations. The full-text provisions provide critical details on qualification, responsibility, and trade agreements that directly affect bidding. The NIST local clauses provide essential logistical and operational information for performance.