Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Probe Station Temperature Control System
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) Acquisition Management Division intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with MPI America Inc. for a probe station temperature control system upgrade. This upgrade is for an existing 200mm wafer probe station. MPI America Inc. is identified as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the only source capable of providing the necessary components, installation, and warranty for compatibility and safe operation.
Scope of Work
NIST requires an upgrade to an existing 200mm wafer probe station. The key requirements for the Probe Station Temperature Control System include:
- Enabling variable chuck temperature down to -60°C.
- Compatibility with the existing 200mm MPI TS2000-IFE Automated Test System.
- Utilizing air-only cooling for -60°C operation.
- Ensuring ice-free operation down to -60°C.
The Installation Service includes integration with the existing chuck and probe station, and demonstration of ice-free operation at -60°C. The vendor technician must be on-site for installation, rigging, uncrating, equipment setup, and removal of packaging material.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Special Notice), anticipating a firm-fixed-price purchase order.
- Statutory Authority: 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), Only one responsible source.
- NAICS Code: 334413 – Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,250 employees).
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source).
- Response Due: May 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MT.
- Published: May 4, 2026.
- Estimated Award: By June 2026 (if competitive procedures are not used).
- Delivery: No later than October 30, 2026, to NIST-Boulder, CO.
- Place of Performance: Boulder, CO.
Vendor Requirements
Interested parties must clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to satisfy the requirements in writing. Vendors must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and a Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) active on SAM.gov at the time of award.
Additional Notes
This is a notice of intent, not a solicitation. Information submitted will be used solely to determine if competitive procedures could be used for this acquisition. All responses and questions must be submitted via email to Daniel Kent.