Suite of SmarAct Nanopositioners
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), Applied Physics Division, is conducting a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Suite of SmarAct Nanopositioners. This effort supports NIST's semiconductor metrology program, specifically for non-destructively measuring and characterizing nanoscopic devices using an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) high-harmonic generation (HHG) light source. NIST's market research indicates that SmarAct Inc. is the only vendor capable of meeting the requirements. Responses are due June 2, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires high-specification nanopositioners and hexapods for precise nanoscopic positioning of EUV optics and samples under high vacuum conditions. Key requirements include:
- High-vacuum compatibility for piezo-nanopositioners.
- Non-magnetic materials for one hexapod-like system and one 4-axis assembly, maintaining performance in magnetic fields up to 1 Tesla.
- Compatibility (software and hardware) and seamless interchangeability with existing SmarAct nanopositioners at NIST.
- Delivery of a rotation stage, two 4-axes (XYZR) nanopositioners, two hexapod-like positioners, one optical tip/tilt mount, and all necessary controllers, cables, and peripherals.
- All positioners must have optical encoders with at least 1 nm or 3 micro-degrees resolution and repeatability better than 50 nm.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: June 2, 2026, by 4:00 PM ET
- Published: May 19, 2026
- Place of Performance: Boulder, CO, United States
Response Instructions
Interested parties should submit responses via email to the primary point of contact. Responses should include company information (name, address, contact, UEI), details of equipment that meets objectives (manufacturer, model, technical specs, reseller status), performance capabilities, customization limits, any unmet aspects of NIST's requirements, manufacturing location, small business status, alternative NAICS codes, available services (installation, training, maintenance), standard terms and conditions, facility renovation services, pricing, federal contract availability, customer references, and any other valuable information. Proprietary information should not be included.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. NIST conducted market research from June 2025 to January 2026, concluding that only SmarAct Inc. can meet all minimum requirements. Responses will be used to determine industry capabilities and potential small business participation. Questions regarding this notice should be submitted at least 5 days prior to the response date.