Replacement motion control equipment for a NScrypt printer

FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: PRESOLICITATION NOTICE, NOTICE OF INTENT

ACTION CODE: SPECIAL NOTICE

SUBJECT: Sole source – Replacement motion control equipment for a NScrypt printer

SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB643080-25-02349

RESPONSE DATE: 8/13/25

DESCRIPTION:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Measurement Science Division, Materials Structure and Data Group is requesting motion control equipment for a high precision, microextrusion-based 3D printer to support our focus area research in ceramic additive manufacturing. In contrast with other additive manufacturing approaches, microextrusion-based additive manufacturing can enable multimaterial, free-spanning, and conformal printing of a wide variety of materials, but it requires high-precision 3-axis stages and control equipment. NIST currently owns a high-precision nScrypt microextrusion-based 3D printer and although the motorized stages are in good working condition, the control hardware is outdated and not functioning. New motion control equipment for the existing nScrypt stages would allow us to expand our capabilities in the field of microextrusion-based ceramic additive manufacturing without the high cost of a new printing platform.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), with Aerotech located in Pittsburgh, PA for the purchase of this equipment.

Sole Source justification is based on the following:

Market research has shown that the only source for this specific motion control equipment is though the manufacturer, Aerotech.

The 3-axis stage and motion control hardware for the NScrypt printer was built by Aerotech, Inc. and is the sole responsible supplier for it to be fully compatible with the existing 3-axis stage. Aerotech has stated in writing that Aerotech, Inc. is the sole-source manufacturer and supplier of all Aerotech-branded motion control products.

NAICS code for this requirement will be 334516– Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a small business size of 1000 employees.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 1:00AM EST on 8/13/25 will be considered by the Government.

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 the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Inquiry POCs

Erik.Fycklund@nist.gov Primary

Donald.Graham@nist.gov Secondary

National Institutes of Standards and Technologies NIST Acquisition Management Division (AMD)

100 Bureau Dr. Mail Stop 1640

Gaithersburg, MD. 20899-1640