110 GHz Cryogenic Coax Cables and Feedthroughs

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products, specifically 110 GHz Cryogenic Coaxial Cables and Feedthroughs. It serves as the only solicitation, and no separate written solicitation will be issued. The acquisition is being solicited as Unrestricted.

• Cryogenic-Compatible Coax Cable (IAW Attachment #1 - Specifications)

• Hermetic Feedthrough and Non-Hermetic Feedthrough (IAW Attachment #1 - Specifications)

• The specific requirements for these line items are detailed in Attachment #2 - Specifications.

• Delivery and acceptance dates, and FOB point are also in the Specifications document.

• The government intends to award a single firm fixed-price purchase order (PO).

• The period of performance is from 10/01/2025 to 10/01/2026.

• No estimated value is stated.

• Submission Deadline: Electronic quotations must be received by 2:00 PM MST on 03/31/2026.

• Submission Method: Via email to lia.arthofer@nist.gov. Refer to the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Inquiries Deadline: Questions must be submitted in writing by 03/25/2026 to lia.arthofer@nist.gov.

• Quotation Structure: Quotes must be divided into three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quotation is the lowest priced, technically acceptable.

  • Technical Capability: Must meet all minimum requirements as demonstrated by provided documentation. No prototypes, demonstrations, used, or refurbished instruments will be considered.
  • Price: Will be evaluated for reasonableness in relation to solicitation requirements.

• NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

• Registration: Quoters must have an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission and through award/performance.

• This procurement is not being conducted under GSA FSS or GWAC.

• Any exceptions to terms and conditions must be clearly stated in the quotation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specific requirements and specifications for cryogenic-compatible coaxial cables and associated hardware. It serves as a detailed specification for potential bidders to understand the technical needs for the procurement.

• Item 1: Cryogenic-Compatible Coax Cable (Stainless-steel outer, copper or stainless-steel inner coax) with 110 GHz bandwidth rated connectors (1mm preferred). Minimum quantity of 10, with various lengths to be decided in collaboration with the end-user.
• Item 2: Cryogenic-Compatible Coax Cable (Superconducting Niobium-Titanium (NbTi) outer/inner coax) with 110 GHz bandwidth rated connectors (1mm preferred). Minimum quantity of 2, with various lengths.
• Item 3: Hermetic Feedthrough (1 each) with 1mm connectors for two external cables.
• Item 4: Non-Hermetic Feedthroughs (4 each) for various temperature stages (50 K, 4 K, still, and mixing chamber) with two 1mm feedthroughs each. Main plate to be OFHC Copper.

This document details the technical specifications for the required cryogenic coaxial cables and feedthroughs. Bidders must review these specifications to determine their ability to meet the requirements, including bandwidth, connector type, material, and quantity. The document also includes information on shipping addresses, delivery criteria (90 days ARO), and potential site visit considerations, which are crucial for preparing accurate quotes and proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 3 - Applicable Provisions and Clauses," lists the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) provisions and clauses that are incorporated by reference into the solicitation or contract. It serves to inform potential bidders of the legal and regulatory requirements that will govern the resulting contract.

• Provisions Incorporated by Reference: Lists specific FAR and CAR provisions that apply to the solicitation, requiring offerors to provide certain information or representations. Examples include "Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions" and "System For Award Management."
• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists specific FAR and CAR clauses that will be part of the resulting contract. Examples include "Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government," "Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct," and "Buy American-Supplies."
• Provisions & Clauses in Full Text: Provides the complete text for specific agency-level provisions (CAR 1352.233-70 Agency Protests, CAR 1352.233-71 GAO and Court of Federal Claims Protests) and clauses (1352.246-70 PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE, NIST LOCAL-53 Contract Performance During Changes in NIST Operating Status).
• Billing and Invoicing Instructions: Details requirements for submitting invoices electronically via the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) and lists the required information for each invoice.

Bidders must review this document to understand all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements. This includes understanding any representations and certifications required in their proposals, as well as the terms and conditions that will govern the contract. Special attention should be paid to protest procedures, place of acceptance, operating status requirements, and invoicing procedures, as these directly impact contract performance and payment.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the requirements for procuring cryogenic-compatible coaxial cables and related infrastructure to increase the bandwidth of an existing dilution refrigerator wire to 110 GHz. The government is seeking suppliers to provide low thermal conductance (stainless steel or CuNi) thin-diameter coaxial wiring with 1 mm RF connectors, as well as infrastructure for installation, including a vacuum feedthrough and high thermal conductivity copper plates.

• Item 1: Cryogenic-Compatible Coax Cable (Minimum 10, various lengths) with stainless-steel outer, copper or stainless-steel inner, 110 GHz bandwidth rated connectors (1mm preferred). Lengths to be determined in collaboration with the end-user.

• Item 2: Cryogenic-Compatible Coax Cable (Minimum 2, various lengths) with Superconducting Niobium-Titanium (NbTi) outer/inner, 110 GHz bandwidth rated connectors (1mm preferred). Lengths to be determined in collaboration with the end-user.

• Item 3: Hermetic Feedthrough (1 each) - KF25 or larger vacuum/hermetic feedthrough with 1mm connectors.

• Item 4: Non-Hermetic Feedthroughs (4 each) for 50 K, 4 K, still, and mixing chamber stages, with two 1 mm feedthroughs each. Main plate to be OFHC Copper.

• Delivery Date Criteria: 90 days ARO (After Receipt of Order).

• Delivery Shall Be Made No Earlier Than: To be determined.

• Shipping Address: NIST-Boulder and NIST-Gaithersburg locations provided.

• Shipping Criteria: Partial Delivery Acceptable. Direct Delivery to OU Building Required.

• On-Site Requirements: US citizen required on-site for visits (foreign nationals require pre-registration 30 days prior). Vendor representative on-site for more than three (3) days.

• Inspection and Acceptance: On-site acceptance not expected to exceed 7 business days.

• Not explicitly stated in this document, but "US citizen required on-site" may imply certain personnel requirements.

• Suppliers will work with the end-user to determine exact dimensions and lengths for the cables.

• For quote purposes, a 20-inch length of coax can be used, but final lengths will be coordinated.

• Warranty, Calibration, Maintenance, and Travel requirements are detailed in subsequent sections, with options for multiple periods.