Nitronic 50 stainless steel forgings

Request for Information (RFI)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is conducting market research to identify potential sources capable of fabricating Nitronic 50 Stainless Steel forgings. These forgings are critical components (endplates) for the High Field Test Facility Dipole project (TFD), specifically for a 15T superconducting magnet.

• Material: Nitronic 50 (UNS S20910 / ASTM XM-19) with minimum properties and composition per ASTM A182.

• Quantity: Two (2) forgings.

• Minimum Dimensions: 845 mm (Length) x 525 mm (Width) x 263 mm (Thickness).

• Desired Lead Time: 10 weeks or less After Receipt of Order (ARO).

• Reference Drawings: DF-1000-8853 and DF-1000-5103 for finished endplate specifications (Thickness: 250mm +4mm/-0mm, Height: 832mm +/-1mm, Width: 512mm +/-1mm).

• Response Submission: Email the completed LBNL RFI response document to Brian Zatkow at bzatkow@lbl.gov.

• Deadline: No later than 3:00pm Pacific on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

• Questions: All questions on the response document must be answered. No deadline extensions will be approved.

• Note: This is an RFI for informational and planning purposes only. It is NOT a request for quote or proposal. No subcontract will be awarded as a result of this announcement. Quotes or pricing proposals will be discarded. Responding to this RFI does not provide any advantage or disadvantage for future solicitations.

• NAICS Code: 332111 (Iron and Steel Forging).

• Size Standard: 750 or fewer employees.

• Buy American Act: Subcontracts will include FAR Clause 52.225-1. Respondents must indicate the geographic location of production for forged aluminum cylinders. Exceptions to the Buy American Act may apply under specific pricing or availability conditions.

• LBNL may consider purchasing forgings directly or providing references to machine shops. No procurement subcontract will be awarded from this RFI.

• Budgetary estimates are welcome but not required.

• Responses may be used to structure future programs and may be made public. Do not include business-sensitive, proprietary, or confidential information.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a technical drawing (DF-1000-8853 A1) detailing the specifications for a component, likely a "TFD END PLATE RETURN" for the "HIGH FIELD TEST FACILITY DIPOLE" project at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL).

• Part Name: TFD END PLATE RETURN
• Material: SSTL NITRONIC_50
• Dimensions and Tolerances: Detailed 2D and 3D views with specific measurements, tolerances (e.g., +/- 1.00, +/- 0.500), thread specifications (1/2-13 UNC 2B and 1-1/8-12 UNF 2B), and surface finish requirements (1.6 [63] finish, 3.2um or better).
• Notes: Includes general notes on applicable standards (ASME Y14.5M-2009, etc.), deburring, edge breaking, and manufacturing per Pro/Engineer models.
• Mass: Estimated mass of 665.724 KG.
• Revision Information: Indicates the drawing is a "Released" revision (A1) and provides release dates and personnel.

This drawing is critical for any bidder involved in the manufacturing or fabrication of this specific component. It provides the precise engineering requirements, material specifications, and quality standards that must be met. Bidders will need to use this document to accurately quote costs, plan production, and ensure compliance with LBNL's technical requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a technical drawing (DF-1000-5103 A) detailing the specifications for a component, likely for a high-field test facility dipole. It provides engineering design information for a "TFD END PLATE LEAD" structure.

• Dimensions and Tolerances: The drawing includes numerous dimensions, tolerances (e.g., ASME Y14.5M-2009), and surface texture requirements.
• Material: Specified as SSTL NITRONIC_50.
• Mass: Estimated mass is 570.636 KG.
• Notes: Includes general notes on applicable standards, surface finish, edge breaks, and manufacturing methods (e.g., direct CNC manufacturing using Pro/Engineer).
• Views: Presents multiple views of the component, including cross-sections and details, along with a 3D isometric representation.

This drawing is critical for any bidder involved in the manufacturing or fabrication of this specific component. It provides the precise engineering requirements, material specifications, and quality standards that must be met. Bidders will need to use this document to accurately quote costs, plan production, and ensure compliance with the design specifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) intended to gather company and technical information from potential vendors regarding Nitronic 50 forgings.

• Company Information: Requires details such as company name, address, contact information, and website.
• Contact Information: Specific contact person, title, and communication details.
• Organization & Management:
  • Confirmation of small business status under NAICS 332111 (Iron and Steel Forging) with a size standard of 750 or fewer employees.
  • Identification of additional small business socioeconomic classifications (e.g., 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone).
  • Location of the manufacturing facility for Nitronic 50 forgings and confirmation of domestic product status under the Buy American Act.
  • Description of inspection capabilities for the material/forging and details on the documentation package (e.g., material certifications, NDT reports, dimensional inspection).
  • Estimated lead time for the delivery of two forgings (staggered delivery is acceptable).
  • Any other considerations the vendor wishes to bring to LBNL's attention.

This RFI requires potential bidders to provide specific company, manufacturing, inspection, and delivery information. It also seeks to understand vendor eligibility regarding small business classifications and compliance with the Buy American Act. Responses will help the government assess industry capabilities and inform future procurement decisions.