NIST is building a low uncertainty primary flow standard to characterize flow meters that measure semiconductor gases. The flow standard will implement the “Rate of Rise” principle. For this measurement technique a low uncertainty flow measurement requires low uncertainty absolute pressure measurements. For this measurement technique a low uncertainty flow measurement requires 1) a low uncertainty absolute pressure measurement with 2) a response time

NIST require 4 absolute pressure transducers. The pressure transducers should have full scale of 200 kPa. The uncertainty of all 4 transducers shall be 0.008 % or lower. The measurement application requires some semiconductor gases so that the wetted components of the pressure transducers must be made of 316L stainless steel.

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 procure pressure transducers a key component in a new primary standard intended to measure the flow of semiconductor process gasses. The pressure transducers must have a full scale 200 kPa (or 2 bar). The required uncertainty of these pressure transducers is 0.008% of reading to over pressures ranging from the full scale down to 33 % of the full scale. At pressures less than 33% of the full scale the uncertainty must be 0.008% of full scale of the pressure equal to 33 % full scale. The wetted components of the pressure transducer must be 316L stainless steel, and the response time of the transducer must be 20 ms or less.

Extensive market research has been performed and concludes that Mensor LP is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the equipment that meets all the Governments required technical specifications.

*****The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334519 – Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 500.

*****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 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on March 8, 2023, will be considered by the government. Responses shall be submitted via email to Elizabeth.timberlake@nist.gov