Sole Source Justification for Electrochemical Cells for TEM-X-ray Scattering
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 published a Sole Source Justification for the noncompetitive purchase of an Electrochemical Liquid Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) Holder with Heating/Cooling. This specialized equipment is required by the Material Science and Engineering Division (MSED) for the CHIPS R&D Metrology Grant Challenge Project 7.03 to enable direct visualization and quantification of material growth and dissolution under applied voltages. This justification was published on May 20, 2026.
Scope of Requirement
The requirement is for an Electrochemical Liquid TEM Holder with Heating/Cooling that can facilitate direct visualization and quantification of material growth and dissolution using in-situ TEM videos. It must also provide operando spectroscopic information from cyclic voltammograms (CV) to link structural dynamics with local chemistry. Key milestones include M11.1 electrodeposition parameters, M11.3 morphology and elemental rearrangement, and M12.3 competitive electrodeposition demonstration.
Contract Details
- Type: Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (Sole Source)
- Product Service Code: 5961 (Semiconductor Devices And Associated Hardware)
- Estimated Value: Redacted (includes delivery, installation, training, minimum one-year warranty, and optional leak check system).
- Period of Performance: Estimated 18 months from award (6 months for delivery/installation/training + 1 year warranty).
- Authority: 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) implemented via FAR Subsection 12.201-1.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This is a noncompetitive purchase of a commercial product. Only Protochips, Inc. was identified as capable of meeting all mandatory technical specifications.
Market Research & Justification
Extensive market research, including internet searches, SAM.gov, GSA, Thomas Register, professional journals, trade magazines, and professional contacts, was conducted. A Sources Sought Notice (NIST-SS26-CHIPS-38) was posted on SAM.gov from December 8-22, 2025, which yielded no responses. Other vendors identified did not offer products meeting mandatory requirements such as cooling function or built-in amplification. The requiring activity confirmed that the stated specifications represent minimum requirements.
Submission & Evaluation
Not applicable, as this is a justification for a sole-source procurement, not an active solicitation for bids.
Additional Notes
This justification will remain publicly available for a minimum of 30 days in accordance with FAR 6.301(c)(3). No sources expressed written interest in the acquisition during market research.