Low temperature scanning NV microscope
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 Department of Energy (DOE), specifically Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is soliciting quotes for a Low Temperature Scanning Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Microscope. This Combined Synopsis/Solicitation aims to procure equipment to support fundamental research in nanoscience, condensed matter physics, and quantum information science. The award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable proposal. Proposals are due by March 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
ORNL requires a turnkey scanning NV microscope with specific technical capabilities, including:
- Continuous wave and pulsed NV microscopy, demonstrated during installation.
- Delivery within 9 months of award.
- Magnetic field sensitivity of 2µT/√Hz (CW) and 10nT/√Hz (pulsed mode).
- Compatibility with standard and customizable pulse sequences (Rabi, Ramsey, spin-echo, CPMG, XYN).
- Closed-cycle cooling for variable temperature operation (T=2-300K) with 100 mK stability and a cooldown time under 6 hours.
- 1/1/1 T magnet capable of operating at full field for sample temperatures of 1.8-300K.
- Coarse positioning (min. 2 x 3 x 2.5 mm travel) and nanometric scanning (min. 18x18 microns travel) at T=2K.
- Cryo-objective with numerical aperture >0.8.
- Integrated microwave antenna with NV probe.
- Minimum 4 RF channels (<3dB insertion loss up to 6 GHz) and 8 low frequency channels.
- Open source Python control of all microscope components.
- Integrated polar MOKE imaging.
- One-year warranty covering parts and service.
- Onsite training at time of delivery.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price
- Set-Aside: None
- NAICS Code: 541330 (Engineering Services)
- Product Service Code: 6650 (Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components And Accessories)
- Proposals Due: March 27, 2026, 5:00 PM EST
- Questions Due: March 24, 2026, 4:00 PM EST
- Published Date: March 20, 2026
- Offer Validity: 120 days
Evaluation & Submission
Award will be based on the lowest priced, technically acceptable proposal. Offerors must submit their proposals via email to the Procurement Officer. Required submission documents include a firm fixed price quote with a proposed delivery schedule, completed and signed Representations & Certifications (BSD-CS-2260), a Bill of Materials (RFP450575), ORNL Terms and Conditions (BSD-CS-2154), and Prime Contract Flowdowns (BSD-CS-2258). Any exceptions to terms and conditions must be explained.
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: Morgan Records, recordsmt@ornl.gov