Upgrade of the Cold Neutron Imaging Instrument, Phase Grating Roll Alignment System
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) is conducting a Sources Sought market research to identify vendors capable of providing three high-precision rotation stages for the Cold Neutron Imaging Instrument. This upgrade requires stages with exceptional angular resolution, clear aperture, and specific operational characteristics. Responses are due by June 9, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST seeks information on three high-precision rotation stages, including required cabling, control hardware, and software. Key specifications include:
- Angular Resolution: Less than 0.00001 degrees.
- Clear Aperture: At least 80 mm in diameter.
- Mass: Less than 1 kg.
- Rotation: Full 360 degrees (continuous preferred).
- Speed: Minimum 3 degrees per second.
- Load Capacity: Maintain resolution with 150g load when axis is perpendicular to gravity.
- Mechanism: 0 backlash, maintain position on power loss.
- Control System: Vendor to provide sensors, hardware, and software for specified resolution, with stages separated up to 5m.
- Cabling: 10-meter cables for control box outside radiation area.
- Optional: Hand control unit for manual operation.
The NAICS code for this acquisition is 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.
Response Requirements
Interested parties should submit responses (max 4 pages) including:
- Company information (name, address, contact, UEI).
- Product details (manufacturer, model, technical specifications, country of manufacturing, reseller status).
- Performance capabilities, customization limits, and any aspects of NIST's requirements that cannot be met.
- US manufacturing status and potential changes in location.
- Small business status and suggestions for alternative NAICS codes.
- Available services (installation, training, maintenance), standard terms and conditions, and facility renovation capabilities.
- Published pricing, Federal Supply Schedule contracts, and customer references.
- Any other valuable information or requests for additional information/meetings.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Response Due: June 9, 2026, 7:00 PM ET
- Published: May 26, 2026
- Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
Important Notes
This is for market research only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. NIST reserves the right to use provided information for any purpose. Responses will not be considered adequate for any future solicitation. Questions should be submitted 5 days prior to the response date.