Sources Sought 4 Kelvin Closed Cycle Cryostat
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 potential and eligible business firms capable of providing a 4 Kelvin Closed Cycle Cryostat. This is a market research effort to determine the acquisition method and potential for small business set-aside opportunities. Responses are due by June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a 4 Kelvin Closed Cycle Cryostat for the Physical Measurement Laboratory, Spin Electronics Group, to characterize superconducting devices and circuits without liquid cryogens. Key specifications include:
- Base Temperature: Below 3 K (required), below 4.0 K (specified).
- Configuration: Upright sample space, closed cycle.
- Sample Space: At least 250 mm diameter and 225 mm height, non-magnetic materials.
- Cooling Power: > 1.5 W at 4.5 K.
- Cool Down/Warm Up Time: < 2 hours each.
- Ports: > 8 standard vacuum ports, > 10 customizable I/O interface ports, window port with optical access.
- Electrical Lines: 96 DC electrical lines and 24 DC low resistance Cu electrical lines.
- Ancillary Items: All necessary cooling hardware (cryostat, cold head, compressor), thermometry, heaters, and temperature controller.
- Separately Priced Option: 1 Tesla Split Coil Magnet with > 110 mm bore size, bi-polar operation, and superconducting high-current leads. All items must be new, not experimental, prototype, custom, or "gray market" components. Delivery, installation, and training are required within 12 months ARO at Boulder, CO.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- NAICS Code: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees
- Response Due: June 26, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published Date: June 12, 2026
- Place of Performance: Boulder, CO
Submission Requirements
Interested organizations should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four (4) pages or less, to Angela Hitt (angela.hitt@nist.gov). Submissions must include:
- Name of the company providing the product(s).
- Name of the company manufacturing the product.
- Country of origin or manufacture.
- Spec/data sheets and examples demonstrating experience.
- Typical lead time for delivery.
- Any other relevant information for developing minimum specifications. Proprietary information should be marked. Company sales brochures or marketing packages will not be considered. No quotes will be accepted at this time.
Purpose & Evaluation
This is not a Request for Quotation or Proposals. The information gathered will help NIST determine if any Small Business Set-aside opportunities exist and identify potential and eligible firms of all sizes who manufacture the product in the U.S. If at least two qualified small businesses are identified, the acquisition may be set aside for small businesses. NIST is seeking responses from ALL responsible sources, including large and small businesses.