AFPSL Quantum Hall Resistance Standard Measurement System

This is a request for information (RFI) / SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS. This request is not a solicitation (Request for Proposal or Request for Quotations) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. Responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the government to form a binding contract. The purpose of this request for information is in support of market research being conducted by the Air Force Metrology Calibration Program (AFMETCAL) to identify potential sources and gather information on current capabilities within the market. This synopsis is for planning purposes only and is NOT to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited hereunder. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party's expense.  The level of security clearance and amount of foreign participation in this requirement has not been determined.  All information received in response to this RFI that is marked PROPRIETARY will be handled accordingly.  Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. Proprietary information or trade secrets should be clearly identified. If, after reviewing these documents, you desire to participate in the market research, you should provide documentation that supports your company's capability in meeting these requirements. Failure to provide documentation may result in the government being unable to adequately assess your capabilities. If you lack sufficient experience in a particular area, please provide details explaining how you would overcome the lack of experience/capabilities in order to perform that portion of the requirement (i.e., teaming, subcontracting, etc.) Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this Market Research. Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are encouraged. Currently there are no funds available for this acquisition.

The Air Force Metrology & Calibration (AFMETCAL) program office is seeking sources capable of providing a complete, turn-key Quantum Hall Resistance (QHR) Standard Measurement System for the U.S. Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory (AFPSL). This high-performance system will serve as the absolute measurement reference for resistance, replacing the legacy Measurement International 6800C QHR System. The procured equipment must be capable of measuring a wide variety of resistive devices in four-terminal modes, specifically making direct comparisons to a Sample Probe for the Graphene QHR Sample Chip from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and supporting the 4304-1kAF Resistance Standard.

The required QHR system must deliver non-stop, automated measurements across a primary range of 100 mΩ to 13 kΩ, offering exceptionally low measurement uncertainties (e.g., ±0.015 ppm for 1 Ω to 14 kΩ, with an absolute uncertainty of ±0.015 ppm for the QHR sample). Key hardware requirements include a cryogen-free superconducting magnet system capable of housing the NIST Graphene QHR Chip, an automated resistance ratio bridge, a low-thermal matrix scanner with a minimum of 10 switchable input channels, and all necessary supporting cryogenics, temperature controllers, and vacuum pumps. The system must be designed for precision laboratory integration, fitting within a 3-foot by 6-foot floor space utilizing standard 19-inch rack mounting.

In addition to the hardware components, the system must feature a robust, automated software suite running on a Windows 11 LTSC 64-bit controller. This software must execute fully programmable N-by-M measurement schemes, real-time calculation of absolute and relative uncertainties, least-squares regression trend analysis, and comprehensive data storage and export capabilities. Prospective vendors must also be capable of providing full onsite installation, rigorous system performance testing, and comprehensive training for up to ten personnel on system operation, troubleshooting, and standard calibration procedures.

Note: If a vendor believes they possess an "equal" product that meets all salient characteristics, measurement uncertainties, and precision requirements of the NRPC50, they must provide detailed technical specifications demonstrating full equivalency, accuracy, and interoperability with AFPSL systems.

The total estimated quantity of 1 unit over 1 year.

Reconditioned, remanufactured, or used material is not acceptable for this item. Offerors responding to this sources sought market research notice must: (1) state whether you are a small or large business, if you are the manufacturer or provide the name of the manufacturer and size info of product you would be offering and the socioeconomic status and indicate small disadvantaged or woman-owned business, veteran owned, service disabled veteran owned, 8(a) historically black college or university or minority institution (HBCU/MI), or a historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone) (2) provide sales history including recent sales to commercial companies (3) advise if your product is a commercial item or if it will be modified; if not commercial at this time, will you be offering this item to the general public in the future. (4) advise if you have the item on a GSA schedule or other Government contract include front page of schedule and the page showing the part is on award (5) provide information concerning the technical capabilities of the product you are interested in offering, including commercial literature/brochures and warranty. Describe any awards you have been involved in that are the same as or similar to what is described in this RFI. Include any other pertinent information which would enable the government to assess your firm’s capabilities (6) advise if you accept the Government purchase card (7) Provide Point of Contact including: company/ institute name, address,  phone number and email address (8) provide assigned Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code (9) Verify if your company/institute is listed in the System for Award Management (SAM) (10) State if your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign owned, please indicate the country of ownership) (11) Advise how much time you would need to submit a technical proposal if a solicitation is issued (12) provide an estimated price for one each,  an estimated price for the total quantity and provide any price quantity discounts based on the total estimated quantity (13) include estimated delivery time for shipment.

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