RFI for MAGIS-100 Access Platforms

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), managed by Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC (FFDG), to gather information on vendors' capabilities to design, fabricate, and potentially install access platforms for the MAGIS-100 experiment. The MAGIS-100 experiment involves instrumentation suspended vertically in a 100m deep shaft, requiring platforms for safe personnel access during maintenance. This RFI is for informational purposes only and no subcontract will be awarded as a result. Responses will be used for planning purposes.

• Platforms designed for safe personnel access to regions of the MAGIS-100 experiment.

• Platforms will be located within a 100m deep shaft.

• Access methods include ladders (top/bottom) and suspended scaffolds/baskets (middle section) secured by a developed latch mechanism.

• Vendors are expected to provide design recommendations and proposed adjustments.

• Procurement of required equipment is anticipated near the end of 2026.

• This RFI is in the Preliminary Design phase.

• Responses are due by March 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM CT.

• Submissions should be via email.

• Required information includes: sketch/drawing/model of proposed platform, budgetary cost and lead time estimate, description of installation, examples of previous work, and design recommendations.

• A virtual Pre-RFI meeting is scheduled for February 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT.

• Deadline for questions is February 17, 2026.

• Not specified in this RFI.

• All images and drawings provided by Fermilab are conceptual.

• Detailed drawings and STEP files will be required from the vendor when formal proposals are requested.

• Participation in this RFI does not commit FFDG or the US Government to any costs or future awards.

• Attached documents include: Draft Statement of Work for MAGIS-100 Access Platforms and MAGIS-100 Experiment Poster.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To identify vendors capable of designing, fabricating, and potentially installing access platforms for the MAGIS-100 experiment at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). The platforms are needed to allow personnel to safely access designated regions of the experiment, which is suspended vertically within a 100m deep shaft.

The project requires the design and fabrication of five types of platforms:

• Split-level laser transport system platform: Quantity 1, with specific dimensions and a load rating of at least 750 LB per level.
• Ground-level platform: Quantity 1, approximately 124" x 54", with a load rating of at least 1,500 LB.
• Atom source landing platforms: Quantity 3, approximately 72" x 62", with a load rating of at least 750 LB.
• Atom source platforms: Quantity 3, approximately 124" x 69", designed with removable parts, including a caged region for access, and a load rating of at least 3,000 LB.
• Connection node platforms: Quantity 14, approximately 88" x 82", designed with removable parts and a load rating of at least 1,000 LB.

All platforms must adhere to OSHA and other applicable requirements, including toe boards and railings. Magnetic materials are restricted within a 2ft radius of the experiment beam tube. Platforms must be designed to avoid supporting via flat walls and minimize gaps between platforms and walls.

The project is currently in the Preliminary Design phase, with procurement anticipated near the end of 2026.

• Material Restrictions: Avoid magnetic materials near the experiment. Acceptable materials include non-magnetic stainless steel, aluminum, copper, plastic/glass reinforced materials, ceramic, and titanium.
• Access: Platforms must accommodate access via ladders, suspended scaffolds, or access baskets, and include built-in hatches where necessary.
• Crane Activity: Platforms must allow clearance for crane activity, including consideration for the crane cable envelope.
• Stabilizer System: Compatibility with a stabilizer system for external access is required for certain platforms.
• Mounting Interface: Specific mounting interface details are provided for atom source and connection node platforms.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a poster detailing the MAGIS-100 Experiment in the 100m Shaft, which is a Matter-wave Atomic Gradiometer Interferometric Sensor. It outlines the complex sub-systems comprising the experiment, including strontium atom sources, an interferometry laser system, modular sections with vacuum and magnetic components, and a magnetic field system. It also describes the conceptual access plans for the top of the experiment and highlights the technical expertise required from Fermilab, such as civil, mechanical, and vacuum engineering, lasers, controls, safety systems, and data analysis.

This document provides a high-level overview of a scientific experiment. While not a solicitation or SOW, it could be relevant to potential bidders interested in providing components, services, or expertise related to advanced physics experiments, vacuum systems, laser technology, precision engineering, or data acquisition and analysis in a research and development context. It helps bidders understand the nature and complexity of the scientific endeavor, which may inform their decision to pursue related opportunities.