Standard Reference Material Charpy Specimen Production
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 for Standard Reference Material (SRM) Charpy Specimen Production. This market research aims to identify qualified machine shops capable of producing Charpy V-Notch Specimens according to NIST specifications for its high-demand SRM program. Responses will inform future acquisition strategy, including potential set-aside determinations. Capability statements are due by March 18, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST seeks contractors capable of machining and supplying Charpy SRM Specimens. This involves a three-step process:
- Rough machining: Cutting steel bars into oversized blanks.
- Heat treatment: Processing blanks to meet NIST energy level and homogeneity criteria.
- Final machining: Finishing heat-treated specimens to precise dimensions.
Additional services include pilot lot sampling and testing, production lot acceptance testing, and marking/packaging. A Machining Qualification Program is in place to identify and qualify vendors for a Qualified Manufacturers List (QML). Qualified vendors may be compensated up to $6,000 for meeting performance requirements during the two-step qualification process (preliminary and full qualification lots).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research Only)
- NAICS: 332710 – Machine Shops (Small Business Size Standard: 500 employees)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research to determine)
- Response Due: March 18, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: February 18, 2026
- Anticipated Acquisition: RFQ in Q1 FY27, contract award by Q2 FY27. Qualified vendors on the QML will have fair opportunity to compete for delivery orders via an IDIQ contract.
Market Research Objectives
NIST aims to:
- Identify responsible sources for required services.
- Determine availability of small businesses, including socio-economic categories.
- Assess industry experience relevant to the production of these specialized specimens.
Response Instructions
Interested parties must submit a written capability statement addressing:
- Company information (name, address, UEI, CAGE, POC).
- Business size and socio-economic status.
- Description of relevant company capabilities and prior experience.
- Identification of applicable contract vehicles.
Submission Requirements
- Method: Email to donald.graham@nist.gov
- Format: Microsoft Word
- Page Limit: 12 pages maximum
- Font: Times New Roman, 11-point
- Margins: Minimum 1 inch on all sides