Milli-Kelvin Scanning Probe 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
Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA), on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy, is soliciting quotes for a Milli-Kelvin Scanning Probe Microscope (mK-SPM). This Firm Fixed-Price contract aims to procure a specialized instrument for advanced nanoscience research at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY. The mK-SPM must support tuning-fork-based atomic force microscopy (TF-AFM), scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy (sMIM), and Scanning Resonator Microscopy (SRM) at ultra-low temperatures (<= 20 mK) within a high vacuum, low-noise environment. This is a full and open competition. Quotes are due by April 18, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will furnish all labor, services, materials, and equipment to provide one mK-SPM, adhering to detailed specifications (BSA Attachment A - SOW, Attachment B - Specification No. SPC-mkSPM-CFN-001). Key deliverables include a Program Plan, Technical and Progress Teleconferences, Performance Reports, Final Technical Design, Equipment Footprint and Laboratory Requirements, Installation Work Plan, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Delivery of Instrument, Site Acceptance Test (SAT) and Commissioning Report, Training, and End Item Documentation Package. The instrument must be non-magnetic, compatible with a cryogen-free dilution refrigerator, and capable of static/adjustable magnetic fields. Performance standards include a base temperature <= 80 mK, Z vibrational noise <= 3 nm RMS, and detectable tuning fork amplitude <= 1 nm.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price
- Overall Value: To Be Determined (TBD)
- Period of Performance: Effective from contract execution through December 15, 2027.
- Anticipated Delivery: Estimated 92 weeks After Receipt of Order (ARO).
- Freight Terms: FOB Destination, Freight Prepaid or DAP.
- Payment Terms: Milestone-based payments upon BSA acceptance of deliverables and certified invoices. Net 30 for Large or Foreign Businesses, Net 10 for Small Businesses.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Submission: Email submissions only, including the signed Quotation Pricing Sheet (Enclosure C).
- Questions Due Date: April 2, 2026
- Quote Due Date & Time: April 18, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Basis of Award: Award will be made to the responsive and responsible Offeror submitting the lowest total price who meets all technical requirements and qualifiers.
- Required Forms: Enclosures A (Draft Contract), B (AMS Form 050 Reps and Certs), C (Quotation Pricing Sheet), D (Vendor ACH Authorization Form), E (W-9 Form for U.S. vendors), or F (W-8 Form for foreign vendors).
Eligibility & Set-Aside
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Physical Properties Testing And Inspection) with a size standard of 1000 employees.
- Competition: Full and open competition.
- SAM Registration: Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov. Foreign vendors not required to register in SAM but must complete AMS-Form-050.
- Experience: Offerors must have previous experience fabricating and testing mK-SPM systems of comparable complexity, a capable development team, a comprehensive U.S. instrument support network, and a robust Quality Assurance program (ISO 9001 or similar).
- Small Business Subcontracting Plan: Required for offers exceeding $900,000, unless no subcontracting opportunities exist.
Additional Notes
The mK-SPM is export controlled under ECCN 3A904.a. The contract incorporates BNL's General Terms and Conditions for Non-Commercial Items and Supplemental Terms for Work by Contractors Onsite. A Phase Hazard Analysis (PHA) is required.