Ultra-High Vacuum Sample Backout Chamber
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, is soliciting quotations for an Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) Sample Bakeout Chamber System. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside issued as a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) for commercial products/services. The system is critical for testing materials for UHV compatibility, supporting the development of radiometers. Quotations are due March 2, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a new, stand-alone UHV sample bakeout chamber system capable of reaching a base pressure of 1e-8 Torr within 24 hours and heating samples to at least 300°C. The system must include all necessary pumping, pressure monitoring, and temperature control equipment, and be able to assess material outgassing. It should also accommodate future additions. Delivery is required at NIST Boulder, CO, in Fiscal Year 2025. Special requirements include no experimental/prototype items, no "gray market" components, and compliance with cybersecurity standards (FISMA, OMB A-130, FIPS 200). Key deliverables include a draft plan, the UHV Bakeout system, shipping, and other related transportation expenses.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ)
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), Size Standard: 1,000 employees
- Solicitation Number: 1333ND26QNB030068
- Quotation Due: March 2, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time
- Published Date: February 12, 2026
- Place of Performance: NIST Boulder, CO
- FOB Point: Destination
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit electronic quotations via email to elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov and Tracy.Retterer@nist.gov, referencing the RFQ number in the subject line. Quotations must be indexed, numbered, and divided into three volumes: Technical Quotation (demonstrating technical capability and meeting SOW requirements), Price Quotation (firm-fixed-price for each CLIN, including shipping, identifying foreign product tariffs separately), and Terms and Conditions (completing required information and stating any objections). Award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable (LPTA) offeror who meets all technical specifications. Offerors must have an ACTIVE SAM.gov registration at the time of submission, award, performance, and final payment. Inquiries must be submitted in writing to the specified contacts no later than 2 calendar days after solicitation issuance.
Additional Notes
The solicitation incorporates various FAR provisions and clauses, including those related to Buy American Act, Place of Manufacture, and Security Prohibitions. Several clauses include "DEVIATION JAN 2026," indicating recent updates. Price quotations must remain valid for 90 days.