Maintenance agreement for a Quantum Design Cryocool system
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The National Institute of Standards and Technology intends to establish a sole source maintenance agreement with Quantum Design, Inc. for a DynaCool cryocool system used within the Materials Science and Engineering Division. This equipment is critical for the characterization of magnetic materials, providing the necessary low temperatures and large fields required for research in computing, biomedicine, and motor magnets. The agreement will cover essential biannual maintenance, including the replacement of the adsorber, scroll pump, and cold head to ensure operational efficiency and reduce liquid helium costs. Quantum Design, Inc. is identified as the only authorized provider for parts and service due to the proprietary nature of the system. This procurement falls under NAICS code 811210 for electronic and precision equipment repair. While the government intends to negotiate directly with the vendor under FAR Part 12.102(b), interested parties capable of fulfilling these requirements may submit responses for consideration by August 25, 2026.
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Full Description
FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: PRESOLICITATION NOTICE, NOTICE OF INTENT
ACTION CODE: SPECIAL NOTICE
SUBJECT: Sole source – Maintenance agreement for a Quantum Design Cryocool system
SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB305000-26-01470
RESPONSE DATE: 08/25/26
DESCRIPTION:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Materials Science and Engineering Division (MSED) is involved in the development of magnetic materials for next generation memory and computing, permanent magnets for motors, biomedicine, and many others. Characterization of these materials to improve their properties and function requires very large fields (14 T) and low temperatures (1.8 K), which are provided by Quantum Design’s Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS). To reduce daily operating costs, the PPMS uses a DynaCool system to cryocool the superconducting magnet and sample chamber. This eliminates the need for costly liquid helium. However, the DynaCool requires biannual maintenance, including the replacement of the cold head, scroll pump, and adsorber to ensure continued correct operation. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR Part 12.102(b) with Quantum Design, Inc located in San Diego, California, for maintenance of this equipment.
Sole Source justification is based on the following:
Market research has shown that Quantum Design is the sole responsible source for service for this instrument. Quantum Design has in writing stated that: “The Quantum Design Dynacool is a unique tool in the marketplace. It is of a proprietary design and manufactured only by Quantum Design. Subsequently, Quantum Design is the only authorized service, parts, or maintenance provider for the Dynacool.”
NAICS code for this requirement will be 811210– Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance with a small business size of $34.0M.
No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 1:00AM EST on 08/25/26 will be considered by the Government.
A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
Inquiry POCs
Erik.Fycklund@nist.gov Primary
Donald.Graham@nist.gov Secondary
National Institutes of Standards and Technologies NIST Acquisition Management Division (AMD)
100 Bureau Dr. Mail Stop 1640
Gaithersburg, MD. 20899-1640
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