Large Sample Stage Cryostat

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the Department of Commerce, is soliciting a Large Sample Stage Cryostat for Cryogenic Mixed-Signal Electronics Testing through solicitation 1333ND26QNB680307, with responses due by July 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET. The requirement is for a single new cryostat capable of operating at temperatures down to 4.2K, providing a minimum cooling power of 2 watts at that temperature, and supporting simultaneous DC, RF, and optical access for wafer-level and packaged device measurements. Technical performance is critical, with specific thresholds for cool-down time (minimum 90 minutes) and warm-up time (minimum 120 minutes), where faster performance earns higher evaluation ratings. The system must be delivered within commercial item lead time, in original manufacturer packaging, with all documentation and software included, under FOB Destination terms, meaning the contractor bears all risks and costs until acceptance at NIST’s Gaithersburg, Maryland facility. The acquisition is structured as a firm-fixed-price contract with three CLINs: CLIN 0001 for the cryostat, CLIN 0002 for shipping, and CLIN 0003 as a not-to-exceed line for other transportation charges, particularly for foreign-manufactured items, where tariffs must be itemized by country and percentage. Evaluation will prioritize technical capability and past performance over price, with both non-price factors weighted as more important than cost. Offers must be submitted in four distinct volumes: Technical (addressing SOW compliance), Past Performance (detailing three relevant projects from the last five years), Price (separate, firm-fixed-price quotes valid for 90 days), and Terms and Conditions (confirming compliance with all clauses). The solicitation is a Small Business HUBZone set-aside and requires active SAM registration, with no award made to entities lacking current registration. Contractors must comply with numerous FAR and agency-specific clauses, including whistleblower protections, anti-kickback laws, procurement integrity, and prohibitions on confidentiality agreements that impede reporting. Acceptance occurs after formal inspection and testing within 30 days of delivery, with title transferring to NIST upon acceptance; the government retains the right to reject or demand repair of nonconforming items at no cost, and the contractor remains liable for latent defects. Invoices must be submitted electronically to INVOICE@