High-Field Electromagnet System for MRAM Metrology
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 U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) to identify qualified vendors capable of providing a High-Field Electromagnet System for MRAM Metrology. This system is crucial for the CHIPS project GC7.05, focusing on assured sanitization of ultrahigh-density magnetic memory. NIST seeks to determine the availability and capability of both small and other than small businesses. Responses are due by June 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one High-Field Electromagnet System, including a bipolar power supply, to facilitate MRAM device metrology. The system must meet or exceed the following minimum technical specifications:
- Field Strength: Capable of producing 0.5 T fields at approximately 5 mm from the pole face.
- Field Orientation: Must apply fields perpendicular to the wafer.
- Power Supply: Dedicated bipolar power supply for field sweeping.
- Physical Dimensions: Must fit within 11.5 cm x 11.5 cm x 19 cm.
- Operational Duty: Capable of continuous operation at 0.5 T.
- Cooling: Provisions for cooling (NIST will supply chiller).
- Control Interfaces: Controllable by external analog voltage AND standard computer interface (e.g., USB, GPIB, Ethernet).
Installation will be performed by NIST, with the contractor providing remote support and necessary documentation (manual, utility requirements, schematics). A minimum one-year commercial warranty covering parts, labor, and travel is required.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified
- NAICS: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Response Due: June 5, 2026, 2:00 PM ET
- Published: May 21, 2026
- Anticipated Delivery: Within 6 weeks After Receipt of Order (ARO), F.O.B Destination to NIST, Gaithersburg, MD.
Information Requested
Interested parties should submit a company summary including:
- Notice ID and Title.
- Company name, address, website, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
- Company point of contact, phone, and email.
- Company's size status under NAICS 334516.
- Confirmation of active SAM.gov registration.
- Place of manufacture/origin (U.S. or other country).
- Existing GSA Multiple Award Schedule or other federal contract vehicles, with details.
Cybersecurity Requirements
The solution must comply with federal security and privacy standards (e.g., FISMA, OMB A-130, FIPS 200). This includes a system security plan, IT management processes, restricted access to sensitive PII, multi-factor authentication, continuous vulnerability scanning, auditing, incident response, and encryption (TLS 1.2+ in transit, FIPS 140-2/3 validated at rest). Documentation of controls is required within 30 days of award.
Submission Instructions
Responses, not exceeding five (5) pages (excluding cover page/pricing), should be submitted as a Microsoft Word or PDF document (11 or 12-point font) via email to hunter.tjugum@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov. The cover page must include specific business information as detailed in the notice.
Additional Notes
This is strictly market research for planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or obligation by NIST. No contract will be awarded from this notice, and NIST will not pay for information submitted or provide feedback. This market research may lead to a future Request for Quote (RFQ).