Optical Microscope
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) is conducting a Sources Sought to identify vendors capable of providing an Optical Microscope for its Alternative Computing Group in Gaithersburg, MD. This market research aims to procure a system for microscopic inspection of 200mm CMOS wafers used in AI hardware research. Responses are due by April 1, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires an optical microscope capable of observing 200mm wafers at magnifications up to at least 100X. The system must include an encoded motorized stage and software for image stitching across large wafer areas. Key specifications include:
- Integrated System: Main body, head, motorized nosepiece, optics, illumination, motorized stage, digital camera, control electronics, and software.
- Head: Ergonomic tilting trinocular type.
- Illumination: LED-based, through-the-objective for reflected-light observation.
- Nosepiece: Motorized, holding up to six objectives.
- Objective Lenses: Minimum of five lenses (5X, 10X, 20X, 50X, 100X) optimized for brightfield, darkfield, and differential interference contrast (DIC), with specific NA and working distance requirements (e.g., 2mm WD at 100X).
- Contrast Mechanisms: Conventional brightfield, darkfield, and Epi DIC.
- Stage: Accommodates up to 8" (200mm) wafers, rotatable, fully motorized with encoder, controllable by joystick and software, with high speed (up to 240 mm/s) and precision (1 um repeatability, ±1 um accuracy).
- Camera: Scientific color CMOS-based, 35.8mm x 23.8mm sensor or larger, 6000 x 3984 pixels or greater.
- Software: For real-time viewing, image acquisition/storage, measurements, camera/microscope control, and precision image stitching.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: April 1, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Questions Due: March 20, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: March 18, 2026
Response Requirements
Interested parties should provide:
- Company information (name, address, contact, UEI).
- Details on capabilities meeting or exceeding NIST's requirements and relevant past experience.
- Feedback on any unduly restrictive requirements and suggestions for small business participation.
- NAICS code information (small/other than small business status, alternative NAICS/PSC suggestions).
- Existing Federal Supply Schedule or other contract numbers.
- Experience providing similar products/services.
- Any other valuable market research information.
- Indication of interest in further engagement.
Important Notes
This is solely for market research; it is not a solicitation, request for quotation, or commitment to award a contract. NIST will not reimburse costs incurred by respondents and reserves the right to use provided information as deemed necessary.