The purpose of this sources sought notice is to conduct market research and identify potential sources of commercial products/services that satisfy the Government’s anticipated needs.

BACKGROUND

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Sources and Detectors Group (https://www.nist.gov/pml/applied-physics-division/sources-and-detectors) in the Physical Measurement Laboratory performs precision radiometry across the electromagnetic spectrum. We develop novel, built-for-purpose detectors, some of which must operate under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to assess new detector materials for their UHV compatibility. Our lab seeks a UHV sample bakeout chamber that can be used to assess material outgassing during heating.

NIST is seeking information from sources that may be capable of providing a commercial solution that will achieve the objectives described above, in addition to the following essential requirements: 

Physical Requirements:

1. Base pressure: 1e-8 Torr
2. Partial pressure for masses >44 AMU: <5e-11 Torr
3. Integrated turbo pump system with roughing pump, vent valve, ion pressure gauge, controller and cable, power supply, gate valve to bakeout chamber
4. Nitrogen backfill capability with pressure relief valve
5. Achieve base pressure in 24 hours
6. Bakeout chamber either 12” cube or 12” diameter sphere (minimum) with minimum of six (6) conflat ports
7. One (1) conflat viewport minimum 600 CF, necessary blank-off flanges, gaskets, and hardware
8. Minimum one (1) 2-3/4” conflat flange
9. One (1) sample holder (minimum) with infrared heater able to hold 3” diameter (or larger) sample. Holder mounted on a CF flange
10. Infrared heater able to achieve temperatures of at least 300 degrees C.
11. Temperature control system for sample, including, for example, temperature controller w/software, cables, appropriate electrical feedthroughs, temperature sensor, etc.
12. Wheeled support stand
13. 120 V (Operate from NEMA 5-20R outlet)
14. CAD drawings of assembled chamber and stand
15. All user manuals for electronics and components

HOW TO RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE

In responding to this notice, please DO NOT PROVIDE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. Please include only the following information, readable in either Microsoft Word 365, Microsoft Excel 365, or .pdf format, in the response:  Submit the response by email to the Primary Point of Contact and, if specified, to the Secondary Point of Contact listed in this notice as soon as possible, and preferably before the closing date and time of this notice.  Please note that to be considered for award under any official solicitation, the entity must be registered and “active” in SAM at the time of solicitation response.

• Provide the complete name of your company, address, name of contact for follow-up questions, their email, their phone number and, if your company has an active registration in https://sam.gov, your company’s Unique Entity ID (UEI).

• Identify the equipment that your company sells that can meet the objectives addressed in the BACKGROUND section of this notice.  For each product recommended to meet the Government’s requirement, provide the following:
  • Manufacturer name
  • Model number
  • Technical specifications
  • If your company is not the manufacturer, provide information on your company’s status as an authorized reseller of the product(s)

• Describe performance capabilities of the product(s) your company recommends to meet the Government’s requirements.  Additionally, if there are other features or functions that you believe would assist NIST in meeting its objectives described above, please discuss in your response.
  • Discuss whether the equipment that your company sells and which you describe in your response to this notice may be customized to specifications and indicate any limits to customization.

• Identify any aspects of the NIST market research notice, including instructions, and draft minimum specifications in the BACKGROUND section you cannot meet and state why.  Please offer suggestions for how the market research notice and draft minimum specifications could be made more competitive.

• State whether the proposed equipment is manufactured in the United States and, if not, state the name of the country where the equipment is manufactured.

• Identify any plans/possibilities for changes in