Vacuum Compatible stages – Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source
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) has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Vacuum Compatible stages. This notice seeks information from potential sources capable of providing high-speed, Lock-in/Servo systems. If no alternate sources are identified, NIST intends to award a sole source contract to AIM Concepts (UEI: KK6LBMT3FPD7) under FAR 12.102(a). The NAICS code for this acquisition is 334516. Responses are requested as soon as possible, preferably before June 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires new vacuum-compatible stages for the NG6-U and NG6-A neutron beamlines, which necessitate remote manipulation of monochromator crystals in a vacuum environment (1x10-6 Torr or lower). The required items include:
- Line Item 0001: Motor Driven Rotation Stage (Quantity: 2)
- Rated for 1x10-6 Torr or lower, aluminum alloy body, 0.01 degrees or less full step resolution, 200+ degrees range of motion, vacuum-compatible double-shafted 2-phase stepper motor, load capacity greater than accompanying tilt stage + 2 kg.
- Line Item 0002: Motor Driven Tilt Stage (Quantity: 2)
- Rated for 1x10-6 Torr or lower, aluminum alloy body, vacuum-compatible double-shafted 2-phase stepper motor, 7.5+ degrees range of motion, 65+ mm working distance, mates with rotation stage, total height (combined) 10 inches or less, combined assembly fits within a 14.5-inch diameter circle.
- Line Item 0003: Vacuum Compatible Cables (Quantity: 4)
- Fittings adapted to motors, DB9 or DB25 connector on one end, 12+ inches long.
- Line Item 0004: Non-Vacuum Cables (Quantity: 4)
- Matching DB9 or DB25 connector, 9+ meters long.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Set-Aside: None specified (intent to sole source to AIM Concepts)
- Response Due: June 1, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
- Published: May 18, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States
Evaluation
NIST conducted market research from 2020-2023, concluding that only AIM Concepts appears capable of meeting the requirements. Responses to this notice will be used to identify any other capable sources. If none are found, a sole source award to AIM Concepts is planned.
How to Respond
Interested parties should submit responses via email to Tracy Retterer (Tracy.retterer@nist.gov) and Forest Crumpler (forest.crumpler@nist.gov). Responses should include company name, address, contact information (including UEI if registered in SAM.gov), details on capabilities meeting or exceeding requirements, authorization as a reseller (if applicable), identification of unduly restrictive requirements, small business status, alternative NAICS codes (if applicable), existing Federal Supply Schedule contracts, relevant experience, and any other valuable information. Proprietary information should not be included. Questions should be submitted within 5 days of the initial posting.