Sources Sought Cryogenic Nano Positioners

Quick Summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting a Sources Sought for Cryogenic Nano Positioners to support the characterization and testing of superconducting devices and circuits. This market research aims to identify potential and eligible firms, including small businesses, capable of providing these specialized products. Responses are due June 12, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET.

Purpose & Scope

NIST seeks information on vendors that can supply new, non-magnetic, UHV-compatible nano-positioners and controllers as detailed in the attached Statement of Requirements. The objective is to procure position-encoded cryogenic nano-positioners and controllers for the characterization of superconducting devices and circuits, and for testing electrical performance of superconducting digital logic circuits. This is not a request for quotation or proposals, but a market research tool to determine the acquisition method and potential small business set-aside opportunities. NIST is seeking responses from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses, and specifically requests the country of manufacture for the product.

Key Requirements

The requirement includes various components:

• X Nanopositioners (8 units): 20 mm range, 45x45x12mm footprint, >200g load, UHV compatible, <10 nF capacitance, <100 nW heat dissipation, <300 nm repeatability.
• Z Nanopositioners (2 units): 5 mm range, 34x34x25.7mm footprint, >200g load, UHV compatible, <10 nF capacitance, <100 nW heat dissipation, <300 nm repeatability.
• Z Nanopositioners (2 units): 5 mm range, 24x24x20 mm footprint, >100g load, UHV compatible, <10 nF capacitance, <100 nW heat dissipation, <300 nm repeatability.
• Adapters: For combining X and Z axis positioners into XYZ stacks.
• Slip-Stick Drive & Readout Units (2 units): Bipolar Stick Slip Drive, 10V-300V, 10Hz-3000Hz, closed-loop capable, Python controllable.
• Preamplifiers (2 units): One 3-axis and one 9-axis, differential drive, coaxial input.
• Flexures: Two X Flexures (24x24x9mm, >200 µm/volt sensitivity, titanium body) and one Z Flexure (24x24x10mm, ≥40 µm/volt sensitivity, titanium body).

Delivery terms include FOB Destination, installation, a minimum 1-year warranty, and training. Items must be shipped in original manufacturer's packaging with all documentation and software.

Contract & Timeline

• Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
• NAICS: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
• Product Service Code: 6640, Laboratory Equipment And Supplies
• Set-Aside: None specified at this stage; market research will determine potential small business set-aside opportunities. All small business categories will be considered.
• Response Due: June 12, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
• Published: June 4, 2026
• Lead Time: 16 Weeks after receipt of order.
• Place of Performance: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.

Submission Requirements

Interested firms should submit electronic capability statements, limited to four pages, to Lisa Stevens at lisa.stevens@nist.gov. Submissions must include: company name (provider and manufacturer), country of origin/manufacture, spec/data sheets demonstrating capability, typical lead time, and any other relevant information. Proprietary information should be marked. Company sales brochures will not be considered.

Additional Notes

This notice is for planning purposes only and does not commit the Government to award a contract. No solicitation is currently available, and the Government will not pay for information received.