Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract for : Procurement of Cryogenic, Optical-Accessible, Magnetic-Field-Capable- Strain Cell "COM-Strain Cell”

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research through a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract, solicitation number 1333ND26QNB680562. The agency seeks to procure one Cryogenic, Optical-Accessible, Magnetic-Field-Capable Strain Cell (COM-Strain Cell) system for the Physical Measurement Laboratory in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This system must be a new, commercially available 47 mm diameter universal stress/strain cell capable of applying and measuring forces and displacements on micron-scale samples at cryogenic temperatures. It must be compatible with existing NIST instrumentation, specifically the attoDRY 2100 magneto-cryostat, and adhere to industry safety standards for cryogenic, electrical, mechanical, and optical components. NIST has identified Razorbill Instruments Limited as a potential sole source and intends to negotiate under FAR 13.106-1(b) if no other viable alternatives are identified. Interested respondents must submit their capabilities, corporate details, SAM registration status, and standard commercial pricing by September 9, 2026. The notice also requests feedback on the requirements to improve competition and the potential for Made in America end products. While the agency is evaluating the possibility of a small business set-aside, it has not yet finalized its acquisition strategy or established a formal solicitation.