Magnet Power Supply
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), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Sources Sought Notice for Magnet Power Supplies. This market research aims to identify potential sources for two commercial superconducting magnet power supplies required by the National Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). Responses are due May 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Background
This notice is for market research purposes only and is not a Request for Quote (RFQ); no award will be made from this notice. NIST is seeking domestic products, if commercially available, to replace two failed superconducting magnet power supplies for their 9T and 10T systems. These replacements are critical to resume essential research and testing at the NCNR.
Key Requirements
NIST requires two (2) superconducting magnet power supplies with the following technical specifications:
- Output: >= 5 V, +-120 A
- Operation: Bipolar, smooth through zero Tesla
- Leads: Floating power supply leads (not grounded)
- Stability: <= +/- 3 mA at 120 A
- Persistent Switch Heater: Max 5 V, Max 100 mA
- Documentation: Includes hard copy and electronic instruction manual
- Electrical Compatibility: 125 Volt/ 1-phase/ 15 Amp, NEMA 5-15 plug
- Compatibility: 100% compatible with existing 9T and 10T magnets without voiding warranty or causing damage.
- Delivery: FOB Delivery or equivalent (e.g., DDP).
Submission Instructions
Interested firms must submit documentation demonstrating their ability to meet the minimum requirements and technical specifications. This may include brochures, manuals, reports, videos, or other technical data. Proprietary information should not be included.
Required Information in Response:
- Company name and address
- Point of Contact (name, phone, email)
- Teaming partners (if applicable)
- Classification of supply (COTS, modified COTS, or prototype)
- Any other pertinent information
Deadlines & Contact Information
- Questions Deadline: May 18, 2026, 6:00 PM ET
- Response Deadline: May 21, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Submission Method: Email responses to ranae.armstrong@nist.gov or Donald.collie@nist.gov. Telephone and fax inquiries/responses will not be accepted.
- Set-Aside: None specified.