Combined Sources Sought Notice and Combined Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Integrated Superconducting Magnet Power System
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML), has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for an Integrated Superconducting Magnet Power System. This notice seeks to identify potential alternative sources for a specific replacement power supply, with an intent to award a sole source contract to Cryomagnetics, Inc. if no other capable sources are found. Responses are due by May 8, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires an integrated superconducting magnet power system to replace a failed unit and energize the existing Cryomagnetics superconducting magnet in the PML ultra-low-temperature scanning probe facility. This system is critical for metrology experiments in quantum information science and electrical standards dissemination. The required system must be an exact replacement, specifically the Cryomagnetics model number 4G-200s, to ensure compatibility, footprint, and connections with existing dilution refrigerators. Key technical specifications include:
- Replica of the existing Cryomagnetics 4G-200s power supply.
- Single output model up to ±200 amperes.
- 4-quadrant, true bipolar systems with smooth sweeps through zero.
- Automatic quench detection and protection.
- Full color, backlit TFT liquid crystal display.
- Five (5) programmable sweep rate ranges.
- Safety interlocks and visual current confirmation.
- Programmable and compatible with existing NIST-developed LabView code.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source.
- Set-Aside: None specified; intent to sole source to Cryomagnetics, Inc. if no other sources are identified.
- NAICS: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.
- Response Due: May 8, 2026, 7:30 PM UTC.
- Published: April 24, 2026.
Evaluation
NIST conducted market research from September 2025 through February 2026, which indicated that only Cryomagnetics, Inc. appears capable of meeting the requirements. This notice serves as further market research. Responses will be used to determine if other sources can provide a solution meeting all minimum technical specifications. If no alternate sources are identified, NIST intends to issue a Sole Source Award to Cryomagnetics, Inc. under 41 U.S.C. 1901.
How to Respond
Interested parties should submit responses via email to Nina Lin (nina.lin@nist.gov). Responses should not exceed 10 pages and must include:
- Company name, address, contact information, and UEI.
- Details of equipment that meets objectives (manufacturer, model, technical specifications, reseller status).
- Performance capabilities and customization limits.
- Any aspects of NIST's requirements that cannot be met and suggestions for making specifications more competitive.
- Manufacturing location and any planned changes.
- Small business status for NAICS 334516, or suggest an alternative NAICS.
- Available services (installation, training, maintenance).
- Standard terms and conditions of sale, including warranty, delivery, and pricing.
- Identification of existing Federal Supply Schedule contracts.
- Customer references.
- Any other valuable information or requests for additional information/meetings.
Note: This is for market research only and does not guarantee a solicitation or contract award. Do not provide proprietary information.