Solicitation - Zero Boiloff Cryostat

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the Department of Commerce, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought announcement for a Zero Boiloff Cryostat system to support superconducting chip testing at 4K in liquid helium. This is not a request for quotation, and no contract award is guaranteed; the purpose is to assess industry capability and determine potential for a small business set-aside. The requirement calls for a single new, non-refurbished cryostat with zero-boiloff recondensing capability, capable of initially condensing less than 10 liters of liquid helium from gas cylinders and maintaining a steady-state reservoir volume between 5 and 10 liters under a 200 mW heat load. The system must include a heater and temperature controller, a liquid helium level gauge, and be compatible with existing dip probes via a load-lock, with a minimum reservoir depth of 200 mm over a diameter greater than 35 mm. Only products with at least one comparable operational cryogenic unit in the field are acceptable, and gray market components or experimental devices are prohibited. The cryostat must be covered by a one-year original manufacturer’s warranty and delivered to NIST-Boulder, Colorado, no later than six months after order release, with electronic documentation sent to [email hidden]. Vendors must submit a capability statement not exceeding five pages, including company profile, UEI and Cage Code, small business status verification, manufacturer details, country of origin, product specifications, typical lead times, installation and training timelines, and evidence of compliance with technical requirements. U.S. citizenship is required for on-site visits, and foreign nationals must be pre-registered 30 days in advance. All responses must be submitted electronically by the deadline of June 17, 2026, and marketing materials will not be considered. The acquisition is classified under NAICS 334516 with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.