Cryogen-free Dilution Refrigerator Test for Characterization of Superconducting Detectors and Devices

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is soliciting commercial offerings for a cryogen-free dilution refrigerator testbed designed to characterize superconducting detectors and devices, with a requirement to achieve a base temperature of less than 10 mK and maintain less than 100 mK under a 250 µW heat load. The solicitation, identified as 80GSFC26Q0006, is structured as a combined synopsis and solicitation under FAR Subpart 12.201-1 and is set aside exclusively for small businesses, as defined by the SBA. The due date for submissions has been extended to May 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, and proposals must be submitted via email to Tamika R. Seaforth. The contract requires delivery of a fully operational system to be installed, tested, and accepted at GSFC in Greenbelt, Maryland, within 11 months of award, followed by a 12-month warranty period. The system must operate without liquid cryogens, support rapid thermal cycling, and enable long-duration, low-maintenance testing for quantum sensing missions. Offerors must provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier and CAGE code, and are required to comply with a range of FAR clauses including those on business ethics, whistleblower rights, equal opportunity for veterans and individuals with disabilities, and prohibitions on forced labor and the use of certain telecommunications equipment. The evaluation will be based on a best value approach considering both technical capability and price, with past performance playing a critical role. The government will inspect and accept the system at its facility in Greenbelt, Maryland, under FOB Destination terms, with title transferring upon acceptance. Packaging and labeling requirements mandate inclusion of the entity name, UEI, CAGE code, model and part numbers, and brand, but specific packaging or preservation standards are not detailed. Invoices must be sent to NSSC-AccountsPayable@nasa.gov and comply with the Prompt Payment Act. The contract contains special requirements relating to information system security, subcontracting limitations, safety compliance with NASA standards, and adherence to federal laws on procurement integrity and employment practices. No pricing details are provided in the solicitation, as final costs are to be submitted by offerors in their responses.