Dilution Refrigerator Magnet for Quantum Memory

Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source

This notice is issued by NIST to seek information from potential sources capable of providing a 3D Vector Magnet with Power Supply and Programmer. This is not a request for quotation. If no alternate sources are identified, NIST intends to negotiate a firm-fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis with Bluefors, Inc.

• One (1) 3D Vector Magnet with Power Supply and Programmer.
• Must be fully compatible with Bluefors LD 250 Dilution Refrigerator.
• Rated Field (Z-Y-X): 6-1-1 Tesla at 4.2K.
• Homogeneity (Z-Y-X): +/-0.5%(Z), +/-1%(Y), +/-1.5%(X).
• Must include a Persistent Current Switch for charging superconducting magnets without continuous power supply.
• Must include a three-axis Power Supply and Programmer.
• FOB Destination delivery.
• Delivery required within eight (8) months after order receipt.

NIST is developing a silicon carbide (SiC) microcavity-enhanced quantum memory for quantum communication and networking systems. The existing NIST laboratory setup includes a Bluefors LD250 dilution refrigerator, which requires a compatible 3D vector magnet system to enable experimental capabilities. Bluefors is identified as the only known source capable of providing a magnet system specifically designed, factory-certified, and guaranteed to integrate seamlessly with the existing LD250 platform.

• Interested parties must submit capability information in writing.

• Responses are due by May 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

• Submissions must be emailed to Jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov.

• Required information includes: Contractor Name, Address, Point of Contact, Contractor UEI, Contractor Business Classification (must have active SAM.gov registration), and a Capability Statement.

• This notice is not a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract.

• Responses will not be considered proposals or quotations.

• NIST is not responsible for any costs incurred by respondents.

• NIST reserves the right to use provided information for any purpose deemed necessary.

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

This document outlines the requirements for procuring a three-dimensional (3D) vector magnet system compatible with an existing dilution refrigerator. The system is intended to support experimental validation and integration of quantum memory within NIST quantum networking testbeds, specifically the NIST Gaithersburg (NG-QNet) and Washington, DC metropolitan area (DC-QNET) testbeds.

• The contractor shall deliver one (1) 3D vector magnet system.

• The delivery includes FOB Destination shipping, installation, warranty, and training.

• The system must meet all technical specifications outlined.

• All components must be new; used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, or custom items are not acceptable.

• "Gray market" components are not authorized.

• All items must be shipped in original manufacturer's packaging with all original documentation and software.

• Rated Field (Z-Y-X): 6-1-1 Tesla at 4.2K

• Homogeneity (Z-Y-X): +/-0.5%(Z), +/-1%(Y), +/-1.5%(X)

• Must include a Persistent Current Switch for charging superconducting magnets without continuous power supply.

• Must include a three-axis Power Supply and Programmer to drive and manage the system.

• Must be fully compatible with Bluefors LD 250 Dilution Refrigerator.

• One (1) 3D Vector Magnet with Power Supply and Programmer.

• Lead Time: Not later than 8 months after receipt of offer.

• Delivery is FOB Destination.

• The contractor is responsible for packing, marking, delivery, and any loss or damage prior to acceptance.

• Delivery point: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Shipping and Receiving, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

• Awardee must confirm shipment details with the Designated Government Official and Contracting Officer due to ongoing limited site access.

• The Government reserves the right to perform performance tests and evaluations to verify system performance within the operating environment.

• Tests will be conducted within one month of delivery.

• The contractor has the right to be present during tests at their own expense.

• General inspection includes structural, mechanical, electrical evaluation, operational evaluation, and performance/software interfacing.

• Visual inspection of the laser will be performed to identify transport damage.

• The Government may reject the unit due to defects or nonconformance at any time prior to acceptance.

• Contractor is responsible for latent defects discovered after final inspection, prorated over the unit's useful life.

• Place of acceptance: 100 Bureau Drive, Building 222, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

• The contractor shall warrant the entire system per OEM standard commercial item warranty and FAR 52.212-4 terms.

• Warranty commences upon acceptance and includes parts and labor.

• 100% payment after receipt and acceptance of the fully delivered system.

• Inspection will occur after testing procedures are complete.

• Partial shipments and invoices are not accepted unless otherwise requested and accepted by the Contracting Officer prior to award offer.