Highly Accelerated Stress Test (HAST) System for Reliability
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 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research via a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Highly Accelerated Stress Test (HAST) System for Reliability. This notice seeks to identify alternate sources capable of providing the specified system. If no other qualified sources are found, NIST intends to award a firm-fixed price purchase order to ESPEC North America, Inc. Responses are due by May 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
Purpose & Intent
This is not a request for quotation or a solicitation for proposals. NIST is seeking information from interested parties who can provide a HAST System meeting detailed specifications. The purpose is to determine if there are other sources capable of fulfilling this requirement before proceeding with a sole source award to ESPEC North America, Inc. The information gathered will inform future solicitation efforts.
Key Requirements
NIST requires one (1) Highly Accelerated Stress Test (HAST) System, FOB Destination, with delivery within eight (8) weeks of order. Key specifications include:
- System Configuration: Single cylindrical vessel, multiple control modes (unsaturated, wet-saturated, dry-wet bulbs), touch-screen controller with Ethernet, minimum 21 Liters interior volume, weight not exceeding 200 kg, water supply tank, two stainless steel shelves, status indicator, emergency stop.
- Vessel: Accommodate at least one 200 mm wafer, minimum 290mm interior diameter, capable of pressurization, temperature and humidity control, stainless steel construction.
- Operation: Temperatures 105°C to 162°C, humidity 75-100% RH, pressure 0.020 – 0.392 MPa, automatic water supply, live load testing capability, 12 bias pins.
- Control System & Software: Remote monitoring/control via Ethernet, remote recipe viewing/editing, PC graph display via Ethernet, alarm email capability.
- Safety: Overcurrent, overheat, overpressure protection; humidifier water level detection; door lock safety; external alarm relay; product power shutdown on alarm.
- Calibration: Vendor must provide a certificate of calibration.
Submission Details
Interested parties must identify their capability in writing by May 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Responses should be emailed to Jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov and include:
- Contractor Name, Address, Point of Contact (Name, Phone, Email)
- Contractor UEI and Business Classification (as validated in SAM)
- A Capability Statement describing the company's ability to meet all specified requirements.
Eligibility & Notes
The applicable NAICS code is 334519 (Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 600 employees. All offerors must have an active registration in www.SAM.gov. This notice is for planning purposes only and does not commit NIST to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Respondents will not be reimbursed for any costs incurred.