Notice of Intent to Noncompetitively Acquire CHIPS LEAP 6000 R Atom Probe Instrument
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 Notice of Intent to non-competitively acquire a CHIPS LEAP 6000 R Atom Probe Instrument (or latest version). This acquisition supports NIST's mission under the CHIPS for America Act to develop measurement science for the domestic semiconductor industry. NIST intends to award a contract to CAMECA Instruments, Inc., citing unique capabilities. This is not a request for quotation. Responses from other capable sources are due by March 27, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires an Atom Probe Tomography (APT) instrument for 3D atomic imaging of nanoscale samples. The instrument must:
- Accept nanoscale needle-shaped specimens and specimen array coupons.
- Trigger field ion evaporation via voltage pulse, synchronous voltage + laser pulse, or laser pulse.
- Detect multiple hits with high fidelity, wide field-of-view, high mass resolving power (>1000), and high detection efficiency (>50%).
- Be capable of using novel laser wavelengths to study measurement bias and uncertainty.
- Include control and support computers, and all necessary software.
- Be delivered and installed, with in-person training for up to five NIST personnel.
- Come with at least a one-year warranty covering parts, software, labor, and travel.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent (Special Notice) for a non-competitive acquisition.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: March 27, 2026, 3:00 PM ET.
- Published: March 13, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Boulder, CO.
Market Research & Justification
NIST conducted market research from January to March 2026, concluding that only CAMECA Instruments, Inc. can meet the minimum requirements. Key justifications include:
- Specimen Array Coupons: Essential for efficient data acquisition and exploring parameter space.
- Local Electrode Atom Probes: Unique to CAMECA, providing sufficient data collection rates (100,000+ ions/minute).
- High Detection Efficiency & Mass Resolving Power: Critical for trace element analysis.
- Industry Standard: The LEAP-6000 series is the industry trend, ensuring NIST's relevance.
- Reflectron Ion-Optic: Enhances mass resolution while maintaining field of view.
- Laser-Pulsed Acquisitions: Ready for NIST's experimental laser systems.
- Synchronous Voltage+Laser Pulsing: Available only on newest LEAP instruments, critical for exploring detection limits.
- Direct Replacement: The new instrument must be the latest generation (LEAP-6000 R or equivalent) to replace an aging LEAP 3000/4000 series, allowing reuse of existing lab design and components (e.g., local electrodes, specimen pucks) which are unique to CAMECA.
Response Instructions
Any sources believing they can meet NIST's minimum requirements are encouraged to respond by the due date. Responses must include:
- Company Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
- Details on how the company can meet or exceed NIST's minimum requirements.
- Evidence of authorization if an authorized reseller.
- Any other information to help NIST determine competitive satisfaction.