Inactive
Notice ID:NB682030-23-01986
The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate a firm fixed price purchase order, on ...
The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate a firm fixed price purchase order, on a sole source basis, with Neutron Optics LP of Quantum Valley Investments, Inc. , for the procurement of a perfect-crystal interferometer. The statutory authority for this sole source acquisition is FAR 13.106-1(b) by the authority of FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The Interferometry Team at NIST requires a new perfect-crystal interferometer. This device is the central component of the Neutron Interferometer facility at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). Current perfect-crystal interferometers at the facility function best using neutrons with energies above 9 mEv (1.4 E-21 Joules). In the near future, however, the NCNR will upgrade their neutron source in order to provide substantial more neutrons at energies < 9 mEv. To take advantage of this upgrade the neutron interferometry facility requires new, higher-quality crystals with improved functionality using a source with energies less than 9 mEv. In addition, a group in Grenoble, France recently demonstrated the first ever split neutron interferometer. This type of interferometer has been long sought after and enables new types of experiments to be done with overall higher precision. The type of interferometer being procured may also function in a split-mode advancing the capabilities of the current facility. Extensive market research performed identified only one manufacturer that can meet the Interferometry Teams minimum requirements. Neutron Optics LP of Quantum Valley Investments, Inc. was the only commercial manufacturer identified that can meet all the following technical requirements: 1. Contractor shall provide an approximately 11 kg silicon ingot with the following characteristics: Float Zone Grown Phosphorus Doped <111> Growth axis Resistivity of 3000 ohms/cm or greater 2. Contractor shall then be tasked with fabricating the interferometer to the dimensions specified by NIST. Contractor shall provide dimensional measurements after fabrication of the overall shape and show that they are within tolerances. 3. Contractor shall be expected to provide monthly updates on the fabric process and confirmation of the raw material purchase via email no less than once per month. 4. Before final delivery or the interferometer to NIST, the Contractor must provide the measured dimensions of the finished interferometer to demonstrate that they are within the required tolerances. Delivery shall be FOB DESTINATION and shall be in accordance with the Contractors established commercial lead times. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516 and the size standard is 1000 employees. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all responsible sources interested may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by established due date/time set forth in this notice. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to joni.laster@nist.gov . No telephone requests will be honored. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.