Cryogen-free Dilution Refrigerator Test for Characterization of Superconducting Detectors and Devices

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) requires a rapid cycle, cryogen-free dilution refrigerator (DR) testbed capable of achieving ultralow temperatures (<10 milliKelvin (mK)) with high cooling power. This testbed is crucial for supporting NASA's mission to develop low-noise cryogenic detectors and detector system components for quantum sensing applications.

• Procurement of a standard dilution refrigerator testbed with an option for additional features in FY26.

• The system must achieve a base temperature below 10 mK with no heat load and maintain temperatures below 100 mK with a 250 microwatt (uW) heat load.

• It must operate without liquid cryogens for cooling or pre-cooling.

• The system requires a rapid duty cycle for sample loading and cooldown/warmup within a calendar week.

• Key components include a cryostat with a dilution unit, a pulse tube cooler capable of <4K base temperature, a gas handling system for Helium-3/Helium-4 mixture, control electronics and software, and a thermometry system.

• The system must be robust and perform within specifications with limited or no maintenance.

• Base temperature: <10 mK.

• Cooling power: >10 uW at 20 mK and >250 uW at 100 mK (with minimal heat load).

• Cooldown time: <48 hours from room temperature to base.

• Experimental volume: at least 250mm Diameter x 250mm Height.

• Vibration isolation: resultant vibrational level at the mixing chamber shall be <10um/rtHz for frequencies <20Hz, <1um/rtHz for frequencies >20Hz and <100Hz, and <0.1um/rtHz for frequencies >100Hz.

• System must operate continuously for 24 hours without faults.

• Period of Performance: 12 months from date of award for completion, plus an additional 12 months for warranty coverage.

• Place of Performance: Installation and commissioning at NASA GSFC.

• Cryogen-free operation.

• Enhanced vibration isolation features.

• Electrical and mechanical isolation of the gas handling system from the cryostat.

• Use of non-magnetic materials near the experimental volume.

• System must be designed to limit the use of soft soldered or indium seals.

• Vendor must provide a 1-year warranty for parts and service.

• GSFC will provide lab space, pumping station, leak checker, electrical power, cooling water, and He-3.

• Successful He leak check.

• Demonstrated base temperature <10 mK.

• Verified cooling power of at least 250 µW at 100 mK.

• Nominal temperatures of 50K, 4K, and Still stages verified.

• Vibration isolation requirements met (if active isolation is present).

• All documentation delivered (test reports, calibration files, maintenance procedures, drawings, CAD files).

• Basic user training completed.

• System operates continuously for 24 hours without faults.

• Vendor must provide necessary services for any abnormal system operation until normal operation is obtained.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis and solicitation (RFQ) for a Cryogen-free Dilution Refrigerator Test for Characterization of Superconducting Detectors and Devices. The government intends to procure this item as a commercial item using simplified procedures.

• The core requirement is for a "Cryogen-free Dilution Refrigerator Testbed for Characterization of Superconducting Detectors and Devices," as detailed in the Statement of Work (Section 1, Attachment A).

• Offerors must demonstrate a record of delivering operational cryogen-free dilution refrigeration units and systems used to cool low-temperature superconducting detectors.

• Evidence of quality in manufacture and design for robust performance and longevity of system components is required.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Delivery: FOB Destination.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but the SOW is 6 pages.

• Quotes are due by May 15, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.

• Quotes must remain valid for a minimum of 60 days.

• Submitted quotes must include two points of contact (name, phone number, email address).

• Evaluation will be based on "best value with evidence of favorable past performance."

• Offers not deemed technically acceptable will be removed from consideration.

• Unfavorable past performance may eliminate a company from award.

• Quotes that do not demonstrate all requirements can be met satisfactorily will be deemed technically unacceptable.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set Aside.

• NAICS Code: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

• Small Business Size Standard: 1000 Employees.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov.

• Contractual and technical questions must be submitted in writing (email) to Tamika Seaforth (Tamika.R.Seaforth@nasa.gov) no later than May 12, 2026, 12:00 PM ET. Telephone questions will not be accepted.

• Offerors must include their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and CAGE code.

• Representations and certifications are incorporated by reference and must be current in SAM.

• The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul last updated April 20, 2026.

• Standard Form 1449 is the solicitation form.