Sole Source Justification for Micro specimens of electroplated copper films and micro-sized lead-free solder for mechanical testing to fracture

This contract is a sole-source procurement justified under FAR 6.302-1 and 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), awarded to Auburn University for the fabrication of custom micro specimens of electroplated copper films and micro-sized lead-free solder intended for mechanical testing to fracture. The work supports the National Institute of Standards and Technology's mission to generate reliable material property data for the U.S. semiconductor industry by producing specimens that replicate the precise geometries, chemical compositions, and microstructures of semiconductor interconnects used in heterogeneous integration, with ancillary features such as grip sections and pin holes to enable compatibility with NIST’s testing equipment. Market research conducted through two sources sought notices resulted in only one responsive offeror, confirming that Auburn University is the sole entity capable of meeting the unique technical requirements, thereby eliminating the possibility of full and open competition. The contract includes a base period of two years with a one-year option, and performance is expected to occur at Auburn University with delivery to NIST’s Material Measurement Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado, though the official place of performance is listed as Gaithersburg, Maryland. Deliverables encompass not only the fabricated specimens but also progress reports, draft journal publications, and conference presentations documenting the development and testing process. No formal contract clauses, evaluation factors, inspection criteria, packaging requirements, or invoicing instructions are specified, as the nature of the acquisition as a sole-source action obviates the need for competitive evaluation or standard commercial terms. The justifying documentation is publicly available for 30 days as required by FAR 6.305(d)(3), and the procurement was conducted under NIST’s Office of Acquisition and Agreements Management, with Nina Lin identified as the primary point of contact. The contract value remains undisclosed, with no pricing details or Independent Government Cost Estimate figures provided, though the acquisition is inferred to be firm-fixed price based on context and the absence of cost-sharing or reimbursement mechanisms.