NOISS Replacement Cryogenic Coller and Compressor
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, is conducting a Sources Sought and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a replacement Cryogenic Cooler and Compressor. This market research aims to identify qualified vendors capable of supplying a new pulse tube cryogenic cooling head and compressor for NIST's KMLabs Wyvern regenerative amplifier system in Boulder, CO. The replacement is critical to maintain the performance and minimize downtime of their EUV high-harmonic generation light source. Responses are due by February 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a replacement CryoMech (Bluefors) pulse tube cryogenic head and compressor. Key technical specifications include:
- A drop-in replacement for a Cryomech model PT90, custom-modified for KMLabs Wyvern integration.
- Cooling power of 90 W at 80 K.
- High-pressure flex lines of at least 33 feet.
- A compressor compatible with 200/230V, 3-phase, 60 Hz power.
- Cables between the compressor and cold head matching the flex line length.
- All necessary cables, hardware, and accessories for operation.
- A warranty of at least 1 year or 5,000 hours run time.
- All components must be new; used or refurbished systems will not be considered.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- Set-Aside: Not applicable at this stage; market research to determine potential small business participation.
- Response Due: February 24, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: February 10, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
This is a market research notice, not a request for quotation or proposal. Interested parties should submit responses via email to the Primary Point of Contact, Junee Johnson (junee.johnson@nist.gov). Responses must be in Microsoft Word 365, Microsoft Excel 365, or .pdf format and should include:
- Company name, address, contact information, and Unique Entity ID (if SAM.gov active).
- Detailed capabilities demonstrating the ability to meet or exceed requirements.
- Identification of any potentially restrictive aspects of the requirements and suggested alternatives.
- Information on company size (small/other than small) and NAICS code.
- Experience with similar products/services and any relevant Federal Supply Schedule contracts. Questions regarding this notice should be submitted within 5 days of its posting. NIST has identified Bluefors as a potential sole source and will use responses to inform a future solicitation.
Additional Notes
NIST is not obligated to award a contract or pay for information provided. Registration and "active" status in SAM.gov are required for consideration in any future solicitation.