Thermodynamic simulation software and database – Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source

Active

Contract Opportunity

***THIS IS A COMBINED SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE***

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking information from sources that may be capable of providing thermodynamic simulation software and database. If no alternate sources are identified, the Government intends to issue a Sole Source Award to CompuTherm (8401 Greenway BLVD STE 248, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562-3539) under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541511.

The NIST Physical Measurement Laboratory, Materials Measurement Science Division (MMSD) requires advanced thermodynamic software and databases that is compatible with existing software owned by NIST. This software will be used to support a key initiative—developing a detailed and precise database of materials used in semiconductor manufacturing. The purpose of this acquisition is to enhance our ability to design, test, and improve the materials that are fundamental to the production of semiconductors. This will aid in tackling current challenges in semiconductor production, such as inefficiencies and material shortcomings that can lead to supply disruptions. The mission of the MMSD is to advance measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve quality of life. This division is responsible for developing accurate material measurements and standards crucial for industrial and scientific applications.

This requirement has evolved from a critical need to address gaps in the semiconductor supply chain, particularly in terms of R&D and metrology for new materials, packaging, and production methods. This software will be utilized within NIST’s research facilities, specifically designed for high-precision metrology and materials science research. The objective is to ensure that NIST can provide the measurement science necessary for the development of new and innovative materials that meet the specific needs of the semiconductor industry. This includes improving the precision and reliability of material properties used in semiconductor manufacturing, thereby enhancing production efficiency and reducing vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

NIST has a need for thermodynamic simulation software and database that meets or exceeds the following draft minimum specifications:

1. Technical Specifications

(1) PanPhaseDiagram (second license) module of Pandat software for multicomponent thermodynamics and phase equilibrium calculation.

(2) PanEvolution (extension from PanPrecipitation, second license) module for precipitation and grain growth simulation of multi-component alloys.

(3) PanSolidification (two-users license) module for solidification simulation considering back diffusion in the solid phase.

(4) PanAl_TH+MB (two-users license) combined thermodynamic and mobility database for multicomponent aluminum alloys.

(5) PanPython SDK (two-users license) a Python library to link Pandat simulation with other software

NIST conducted market research in October 2024 by performing internet searches, and reviews of company websites to determine what sources could meet NIST’s minimum requirements. The results of that market research revealed that only CompuTherm (UEI: CXJUEMDJANU4) appears to be capable of providing software compatible with the existing software used at NIST, and meeting NIST’s requirements.

HOW TO RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE

In responding to this notice, please DO NOT PROVIDE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. Please include only the following information, readable in either Microsoft Word 365, Microsoft Excel 365, or .pdf format, in the response. Submit the response by email to the Primary Point of Contact and, if specified, to the Secondary Point of Contact listed at the bottom of this notice as soon as possible, and preferably before the closing date and time of this notice.

• Provide the complete name of your company, address, name of contact for follow-up questions, their email, their phone number and, if your company has an active registration in https://sam.gov, your company’s Unique Entity ID (UEI).

• Details about what your company is capable of providing that meets or exceeds NIST’s minimum requirements.

• Whether your company is an authorized reseller of the product or service being cited and evidence of such authorization.

• Identify any aspects of the description of the requirements in the BACKGROUND section above that could be viewed as unduly restrictive or create unnecessary barriers that adversely affect your firm’s ability to fully participate in a procurement for such services and explain why. Please offer suggestions for how the requirements could be organized or structured to encourage the participation of small businesses.

• For the NAICS code

• Indicate whether your company is (a) a small business or (b) other than small business. See the Table of Small Business Size Standards and the associated .pdf download file for small business size standards and additional information.


• If you believe the NAICS code listed in this notice is not the best NAICS code for the type of product addressed in this notice, identify an alternative NAICS code that you believe would be more appropriate for the planned procurement.

• If your firm has existing Federal Supply Schedule contract(s) or other contracts for products or services against which the Department may be able to place orders, identify the contract number(s) and other relevant information.

• Describe your firm’s experience (as a prime, subcontractor, or consultant) providing the products or services described in Background section.

• Provide any other information that you believe would be valuable for the Government to know as part of its market research for this requirement.

• Please let us know if you would like to engage to get a better understanding of the requirement or need additional information about the Government’s requirement for the products or services described in the Background section.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS NOTICE

Questions regarding this notice may be submitted via email to the Primary Point of Contact and the Secondary Point of Contact listed in this notice. Questions should be submitted so that they are received 5 days prior to the close of this notice. Questions will be anonymized and answered via sources sought notice amendment following the question submission deadline.

IMPORTANT NOTES

The information received in response to this notice will be reviewed and considered so that the NIST may appropriately solicit for its requirements in the near future.

This notice should not be construed as a commitment by the NIST to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract.

This notice is not a request for a quotation. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotations.

No award will be made as a result of this notice.

NIST is not responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice.

NIST reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and appropriate.

Thank you for taking the time to submit a response to this request!

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