Large Sample Stage Cryostat – Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source
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) has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Large Sample Stage Cryostat. NIST intends to award a sole source contract to Four Nine Design LLC if no other capable sources are identified through this market research. Responses from interested parties are due by June 10, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one (1) Large Sample Stage Cryostat to support advanced cryogenic characterization of mixed-signal digital and analog circuits and semiconductor devices at temperatures down to 4.2 K. This system is critical for cryo-electronics measurement capabilities in quantum information science, high-performance computing, and cryogenic sensor applications.
Key minimum specifications include:
- Cooling Performance: Minimum 2 W at 4.2 K.
- Cold Plate: Diameter > Ø250 mm, height ~200 mm.
- Thermal Cycling: Cool-down < 90 min, warm-up < 120 min.
- Electrical Access: Minimum 50 DC lines, 30 RF lines (>18 GHz, with at least two >60 GHz or provisions for future >60 GHz), and 4 reserved/blank feedthrough ports for expansion.
- Optical/Fiber Access: More than one fiber-optic feedthrough and optical access port.
- Application: Suitable for simultaneous digital and analog mixed-signal circuit testing.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Special Notice)
- NAICS: 334516 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Intended Sole Source: Four Nine Design LLC
- Response Due: June 10, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
- Published: May 27, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
Evaluation
Responses will be used for market research to determine if other sources are capable of meeting NIST's minimum requirements. If no alternate sources are identified, the Government intends to proceed with a sole source award to Four Nine Design LLC.
How to Respond
Interested parties should submit responses via email to the primary and secondary points of contact. Responses should include company details (name, address, contact, UEI), capabilities meeting or exceeding specifications, reseller authorization (if applicable), identification of unduly restrictive requirements, small business status, alternative NAICS suggestions, existing Federal Supply Schedule contracts, and relevant experience. Do not provide proprietary information. Questions should be submitted within 5 days of the initial posting.
Additional Notes
This is not a request for quotation or a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. NIST is not responsible for costs incurred by respondents.