Sources Sought Notice for an IR Spectrometer 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) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential sources for a commercial IR Spectrometer System. This system is required for the Nanocalorimetry for Semiconductors and Semiconductor Process Metrology project in Gaithersburg, MD. Responses are due February 17, 2026.
Purpose & Background
This notice serves as a market research tool to identify firms capable of providing a commercial IR Spectrometer System. It is not a Request for Quote (RFQ), and no award will result directly from this notice. NIST is specifically seeking a domestic product, if commercially available, that meets detailed technical specifications. The system will be used to measure the emissivity of metal thin films (e.g., platinum) across a temperature range of 100 °C to 600 °C and a wavelength range of 3.0 µm to 5.0 µm, supporting advancements in semiconductor manufacturing.
Key Requirements
NIST requires one (1) IR Spectrometer System with a 1-year warranty, delivered FOB Destination. Key technical specifications include:
- Detector Sensitivity: 130k counts/(ms µw)
- Minimum Detectable Optical Power: 5 pW/nm at fiber entrance (100 ms integration time)
- Spectrometer Speed: > 250 Hz
- Spectral Range: 3.0 µm - 5.0 µm
- Spectrum Resolution: ≤ 6 cm-1
- Spot Size: 300 µm - 500 µm
- Optical Fiber Coupled: Includes MWIR light gathering optics and fiber.
- Working Distance: 100 mm - 200 mm
- Software: Controls parameters, collects spectra, saves to non-proprietary formats, runs on Windows 10/11, with API if available.
- Physical: USB or Ethernet connection, mass ≤ 10 kg, operates on standard US outlet (120 V, 15 A) without special facility requirements.
Submission Details
Interested firms should submit documentation demonstrating their ability to meet the minimum requirements and technical specifications. This may include brochures, manuals, reports, videos, or technical data. Proprietary information should not be submitted. Responses must include company name, address, Point of Contact (phone and email), teaming partners (if applicable), classification of supply (COTS, modified COTS, or prototype), and any other pertinent information.
Deadlines & Contacts
- Questions Deadline: February 12, 2026, 4:00 PM ET (via email only).
- Response Submission Deadline: February 17, 2026, 4:00 PM ET (via email only).
- Primary Contact: Ranae M. Armstrong (ranae.armstrong@nist.gov)
- Secondary Contact: Donald Collie (donald.collie@nist.gov)
Additional Notes
This is a market research effort for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.