CBr4 Gas Delivery System

The Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), through its Physics Measurements Laboratory Applied Physics Division Quantum Nanophotonics Group, is conducting market research for a commercial-grade carbon tetrabromide (CBr4) gas delivery system to replace a failed unit used in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) processes for quantum dot fabrication. This initiative is formally designated as a Sources Sought notice under solicitation number NB686100-26-01989 and is explicitly not a request for quotation or proposal, nor does it obligate the government to award a contract. The agency is seeking information from small businesses capable of supplying an established, new, non-prototype, commercially available cryogenic gas source system compatible with UHV environments and the VEECO GEN10 MBE system using VEECO molly software. The system must deliver precise CBr4 gas flow to achieve doping levels between 1e16 cm-3 and 1e20 cm-3 in GaAs at a deposition rate of one monolayer per second, maintain pressure stability under 0.2 mTorr, incorporate heated injection lines to prevent condensation, and house the CBr4 bottle in a temperature-controlled, sealed, and vented cabinet. Respondents must confirm that the product is manufactured in a specific country, provide a capability statement of no more than four pages including company and manufacturer names, product data sheets, typical lead times, and evidence of field operation, while explicitly marking any proprietary information. Responses are due by June 15, 2026, and must be submitted electronically to the designated point of contact. While the contract is structured as a total small business set-aside with a 1,000-employee size standard, no pricing, contract value, or formal delivery schedule is being solicited at this stage. However, if a future procurement follows, delivery is expected within six months of order receipt, with shipments directed to NIST-Boulder, Colorado, requiring direct delivery to the OU Building. On-site access for U.S. citizens is permitted, while foreign nationals must complete pre-registration at least 30 days in advance. Training in operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety may be required post-award. No quotes, sales brochures, or marketing materials will be accepted; only substantive capability responses meeting the technical and compliance criteria will be considered for future solicitation planning.