Software for a NanoTest Xtreme instrument

FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: PRESOLICITATION NOTICE, NOTICE OF INTENT

ACTION CODE: SPECIAL NOTICE

SUBJECT: Sole source – Software for a NanoTest Xtreme instrument

SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB643090-26-00863

RESPONSE DATE: 8/29/26

DESCRIPTION:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Nanomechanical Properties Group (Materials Measurement Science Division) develops and provides measurements science, measurement standards, and measurement technology that addresses measurement needs by US semiconductor industry. This work involves measurements of mechanical properties (e.g., elastic modulus, yield strength) and characterization of deformation behavior (e.g., fracture and fatigue) for materials in advanced packaging applications. Indentation and scratch testing are widely used techniques for such measurements. The extraction of mechanical properties from mechanical testing relies on sophisticated analytical and numerical methods provided either by in-house developed or proprietary software, such as provided by RGS Scientific. The Nanomechanical Properties Group maintains several commercial instruments for mechanical measurements, including the NanoTest Xtreme Testing Platform. The NanoTest Xtreme Testing platform provides advanced multi-mechanical testing capabilities under vacuum conditions and/or elevated temperatures.  

As stated by the manufacturer of the NanoTest Xtreme instrument, the Siomec software is the only software application capable to interface with the instrument and to provide integrated analysis and simulation tools.  Micro Materials is the manufacturer of the NanoTest Xtreme Testing platform. The company is based in the UK. RGS Scientific is the only authorized distributor of Micro Material’s products including related analytical/simulation software within the United States.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR Part 12.102(b) with RGS Scientific located in Dallas, TX, for this software.

Sole Source justification is based on the following:

Market research has shown that RGS Scientific is the only known authorized source for this software within the USA for this equipment.   “This is a requirement that the analysis and simulation software directly interfaces with the instrument (NanoTest Xtreme) to enable the processing of data files generated by the instrument. The manufacturer of the instrument (Micro Materials) has stated that the software developed by Siomec is the only software capable of this. The manufacturer has a special agreement with Siomec to develop software applications for their instruments. As such, the Siomec software is distributed through the manufacturer (MicroMaterials) with Europe and through the manufacturer's North America distributor (RGS Scientific) within the USA. Consequently, RGC Scientific is the only source to purchase Siomec analysis and simulation software within the USA.”   RGS has confirmed this statement in writing as accurate and authentic.

NAICS code for this requirement will be 513210 – Software publishers with a small business size of $47.0M.

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 8/29/26 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

Andrea.Parekh@nist.gov Secondary

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

100 Bureau Dr. Mail Stop 1640

Gaithersburg, MD. 20899-1640