Sources Sought Notice - Metrology-grade Chilled Mirror Dew Point Hygrometers
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), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Sources Sought Notice to conduct market research for metrology-grade chilled mirror dew point hygrometers. The objective is to identify potential sources capable of providing equipment to improve and monitor uncertainty contributions from laboratory environmental conditions in NIST's mass calibrations, thereby enhancing measurement competitiveness. Responses are due by June 5, 2026.
Scope of Interest
NIST is seeking information on solutions that meet essential requirements for benchtop, chilled-mirror hygrometers capable of internal % relative humidity calculation. Key specifications include:
- Performance History: Proven manufacturing history for this equipment.
- Measurement Ranges: Standard dew point from -60°C to 20°C; standard % Relative humidity from 0.1% to 100% (with temperature range of -100°C to 100°C).
- Accuracy: Frost/dew point +/-0.1 °C; Temperature +/-0.07 °C.
- Reproducibility: Frost/dew point +/-0.05 °C; Temperature +/-0.05 °C.
- Components: External PRT-100 temperature sensor, 3-stage thermoelectric mirror cooling (80°C depression), Active-Matrix color graphic LCD, RS-232 I/O, Swagelok ¼" gas coupling.
- Gas Handling: Sample gas flow rate of 0.2-1.0 l/min, PTFE sample gas circuit, maximum pressure of 2 bar.
- Environmental: Operates and stores between -10°C and +40°C; 90% RH maximum ambient humidity (non-condensing).
- Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 200 Watt power consumption.
- Physical: Dimensions 440mm x 155mm x 410mm; approximately 12 kg weight.
Submission Requirements
Respondents should provide company information (name, address, contact, SAM.gov UEI), identification of equipment meeting NIST's requirements (manufacturer, model, technical specifications, performance capabilities, customization options), and details on US manufacturing status. Submissions must also include NAICS code assessment (small/other than small business status, alternative NAICS suggestions), available services (installation, training, maintenance), standard terms of sale, published pricing, existing contract vehicles (e.g., FSS), and a list of public/private sector customers. Responses are limited to 25 pages.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage to determine potential set-asides)
- Response Due: June 5, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
- Published: May 28, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
- Contact: Forest Crumpler, forest.crumpler@nist.gov
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Responses will not be considered an adequate response to any future solicitation. Questions should be submitted 5 days prior to the response date.