NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: Quantum Dot Measurement System

The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, with SPECS Surface Nano Analysis GmbH, Voltastrasse 5, 13355 Berlin Germany for the purchase of one (1) quantum dot measurement system to be utilized by NIST’s Physical Measurements Laboratory (PML). The statutory authority for this acquisition is 41 USC 3304(a)(1); FAR 13.106-1(b).

***** Sole source determination is based on the need to acquire one (1) quantum dot measurement system. This acquisition is requested in support of projects in the Atom Scale Device Group/Nanoscale Device Characterization Division’s program to develop measurements and devices in support of solid-state quantum information. Specifically, the quantum dot (QD) test devices must be measured with low noise in the small voltage and small current regime. These QD devices are composed of many “gate” circuit elements, each of which need independent voltage sources to control them. Additionally, small currents present in the devices are measured, requiring voltage measurements with precision. The complex relationships between the outputs also means that “virtual gates” are needed, i.e., outputs where the value of many outputs are changed according to a defined function to create a particular time dependent change in potential. Due to the complex nature of the controls and measurement signals, a graphical user interface (GUI) needed to effectively monitor and manage experiments.

It was found that only SPECS Surface Nano has developed a system that meets the minimum requirements for both a high density, high performance control and measurement system that is smoothly integrated with a graphical user interface (GUI) software system for simplified user startup while still providing low-level drivers for complex, custom experiments. Other vendors appear to have equivalent hardware capabilities and provide for customer development of simple or sophisticated experimental control, the unified, real time graphical interface for monitoring outputs and viewing data was not found elsewhere. The graphical interface is a critical component of the system as a whole, ensuring complete access to the features provided by the hardware as a measurement package. The absence of efficient and professional hardware/software integration would lead to increased cost to the USG through lost value and reliance on system integration development being done in house rather than the purchase of a cohesive, engineered solution, which is sought in this acquisition.

The SPECS Surface Nano Analysis GmbH is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the equipment that meets the required minimum specifications.

*****The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

*****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 be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. 

*****No solicitation package will be issued.  This notice of intent is not a request for quotations; however, all responsible sources interested may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. Interested parties that believe they can satisfy the requirements listed above must identify their capability in writing before the response date of this notice. Only responses received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on June 23, 2022 will be considered by the government.  Responses shall be submitted via email to tracy.bisson@nist.gov or forest.crumpler@nist.gov