Combined Sources Sought Notice of Intent to Sole Source Air Cooled Helium Compressor
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) has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for an Air Cooled Helium Compressor. NIST intends to award a sole source contract to Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies Inc. if no other capable sources are identified. This notice seeks to identify other potential sources that can meet NIST's minimum requirements for the compressor. Responses are due by May 11, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
NIST requires one air-cooled helium compressor for continuous, reliable operation in cryogenic cooling systems, specifically for QHRS applications and compatible with the current system used for the primary realization of the ohm. Key specifications include:
- Performance: Continuous 24/7 operation with high uptime, minimal maintenance.
- Cooling: Helium gas low pressure 220 ± 5 psig, high pressure 250 ± 5 psig; capable of operating a PT405 cryo-refrigerator and cooling to less than 3 Kelvin. The compressor must be air-cooled and not require external water-cooling infrastructure.
- Design: Must not transfer mechanical vibrations or introduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) to connected systems.
- Integration: Compatible with PT405 two-stage pulse tube cryocooler systems, including all necessary hoses, fittings, and interconnects.
- Electrical: 200/230 VAC 3 Ph, 60 Hz, compatible with standard laboratory infrastructure.
- Control: Integrated monitoring (pressure, temperature, status), fault detection, alarms, automatic shutdown, and remote monitoring/control (RS485 or Ethernet).
- Physical: Suitable for laboratory installation within 5 ft x 5 ft x 5 ft, rack-mountable or floor-standing with vibration isolation.
- Documentation: Complete user manuals, maintenance manuals, technical specifications, installation guidance, operating procedures, and training/technical support.
Sole Source Intent & Market Research
NIST's market research, conducted from January to February 2026, indicated that Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies Inc. is currently the only source capable of meeting these specific requirements. The intent to sole source is under the authority of FAR 12.102(a).
Response Requirements
Interested parties should submit responses via email to the primary and secondary points of contact by the due date. Responses should NOT include proprietary information and must contain:
- Company name, address, contact information, and UEI (if SAM.gov registered).
- Details of capabilities meeting or exceeding NIST's minimum requirements.
- Confirmation of authorized reseller status, if applicable.
- Identification of any unduly restrictive requirements in the description and suggestions for promoting small business participation.
- NAICS code status (small or other than small business) for 333912.
- Suggestions for alternative NAICS codes.
- Existing Federal Supply Schedule or other relevant contract numbers.
- Firm's experience providing similar products/services.
- Any other valuable information for market research.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Special Notice)
- NAICS Code: 333912 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
- Published Date: April 27, 2026
- Questions Due: May 1, 2026, 12:00 PM EST
- Response Due: May 11, 2026, 12:00 PM EST
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Responses will not be considered proposals or quotations, and NIST will not be responsible for any costs incurred by respondents.