Fabrication of Custom Micropillar Arrays

Solicitation 1333ND26QNB640352 is a Request for Quotation issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the fabrication of custom, pre-sharpened micropillar arrays. These arrays are required for the Material Measurement Laboratory to develop reference materials for measuring phosphorus concentration in silicon using Atom Probe Tomography. The contractor will use silicon wafers provided by NIST to produce 100 coupons, each containing 25 posts, which must be fully compatible with the automated discovery and tip positioning functions of a CAMECA LEAP 6000XR instrument. Deliverables must be shipped FOB Destination to Gaithersburg, Maryland, and include detailed traceability documentation in a digital table format. This procurement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 541713 for Research and Development in Nanotechnology. The government will award a single purchase order based on best value, where non-price factors—specifically technical capability and prior experience—are significantly more important than price. Technical evaluations will focus on the contractor's ability to manufacture high-aspect-ratio micro-structures with tip radii greater than 100 nm. Quotations must be submitted as a Firm-Fixed Price and include a technical narrative not exceeding 10 pages. Acceptance is contingent upon the Contracting Officer's Representative verifying that the coupons fit specific CAMECA holders and pass automated system tests.